Increased habitual flavonoid intake predicts attenuation of cognitive ageing in twins

Abstract Background Although the pathophysiology of cognitive decline is multifactorial, and modifiable by lifestyle, the evidence for the role of diet on cognitive function is still accumulating, particularly the potentially preventive role of constituents of plant-based foods. Methods We aimed to determine whether higher habitual intake of dietary flavonoids, key components of plant-based diets, were associated with improved cognition and medial temporal lobe volumes using three complementary approaches (longitudinal, cross-sectional and co-twin analyses). In 1126 female twins (n=224 with a 10-year follow-up of diet and cognition data) aged 18–89 years, habitual intakes of total flavonoids and seven subclasses (flavanones, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavones, polymeric flavonoids (and proanthocyanidins separately)) were calculated using validated food frequency questionnaires. Cognition was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery test. Hippocampal volumes were measured in a subset using magnetic resonance imaging (16 monozygotic-twin pairs). Statistical models were adjusted for a range of diet and lifestyle factors. Results Higher intakes of flavanones (tertile (T)3-T1=0.45, 95%CI 0.13,0.77; p=0.01) and anthocyanins (T3-T1=0.45, 95%CI 0.08,0.81; p=0.02) were associated with improvements in age-related cognition score over 10 years. In cross-sectional analysis higher intake of flavanones (T3-T1= 0.12, 95% CI 0.02, 0.21; p=0.02) and proanthocyanidins (T3-T1= 0.13, 95% CI 0.02, 0.24; p=0.02) were associated with improved paired-associates learning. Higher intake of anthocyanins was significantly associated with improved executive function (T3-T1= −0.52, 95% CI 0.19, 0.84; p=0.001) and with faster simple reaction times (T3-T1= −18.1, 95% CI −35.4, −0.7; p=0.04). In co-twin analysis, those with higher anthocyanin (2.0%, p=0.01) and proanthocyanidin (2.0%, p=0.02) intakes at baseline had the largest left hippocampal volumes after 12 years. Conclusion Small increases in habitual intake of flavonoid-rich foods (containing anthocyanins, flavanones and proanthocyanidins; equivalent to approximately two servings of oranges and blueberries per day) over long time periods have the potential to attenuate cognitive ageing.

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Comprehensive longitudinal study of epigenetic mutations in aging

10.1101/744250 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yunzhang Wang ◽

Robert Karlsson ◽

Juulia Jylhävä ◽

Åsa K. Hedman ◽

Catarina Almqvist ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Genetic Background ◽

Aging Process ◽

Genetic Factors ◽

Aberrant Methylation ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age Related ◽

Comprehensive Study

AbstractBackgroundThe role of DNA methylation in aging has been widely studied. However, epigenetic mutations, here defined as aberrant methylation levels compared to the distribution in a population, are less understood. Hence, we investigated longitudinal accumulation of epigenetic mutations, using 994 blood samples collected at up to five time points from 375 individuals in old ages.ResultsWe verified earlier cross-sectional evidence on the increase of epigenetic mutations with age, and identified important contributing factors including sex, CD19+ B cells, genetic background, cancer diagnosis and technical artifacts. We further classified epigenetic mutations into High/Low Methylation Outliers (HMO/LMO) according to their changes in methylation, and specifically studied methylation sites (CpGs) that were prone to mutate (frequently mutated CpGs). We validated four epigenetically mutated CpGs using pyrosequencing in 93 samples. Furthermore, by using twins, we concluded that the age-related accumulation of epigenetic mutations was not related to genetic factors, hence driven by stochastic or environmental effects.ConclusionsHere we conducted a comprehensive study of epigenetic mutation and highlighted its important role in aging process and cancer development.

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Immunohistochemical Expression of Alpha (Α) A Crystallin in Senile Degenerative and Non-Cataract Lenses

10.53350/pjmhs2115102643 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. 2643-2646

Author(s):

Shabnam Khan ◽

Bushra Wasim Khan ◽

Madeeha Sadiq ◽

Fawad Rizvi ◽

Faraz Ahmed Baig ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Senile Cataract ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lens Fibers ◽

Positive Expression ◽

Age Related ◽

Keywords Immunohistochemistry ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Aim: Comparative immunohistochemical study of expression of α A Crystallin in non-cataract lenses and age-related cataract lenses in humans. Methodology: This was an observational cross sectional study. There are two groups in this study. Group A comprised of 121 senile degenerative cataract lenses from diagnosed patients. Group B included of 10 non-cataract lenses from patients who underwent surgeries for enucleation due to trauma and retinoblastoma. Lenses were fixed in 10% Buffered Neutral Formalin and processed to make paraffin blocks. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed on sections using primary antibody for α A crystallin. Data was analyzed through SPSS software version 24. Results: Immunohistochemical staining of group A showed 80.2% Strong Positive expression while 19.8% showed Intermediate Positive expression of α A Crystallin. 100% Strong Positive expression of α A Crystallin was seen in group B. Comparison of expression of α A Crystallin in two groups showed significant decrease (p<0.001) in expression. Conclusion: Decreased expression of α A Crystallin in IHC stained senile cataract lens indicates the role of structural alterations of lens fibers in pathogenesis of senile cataract. If mechanism involved in causing these alterations can be identified and targeted so that progression of senile cataract may be delayed. Keywords: Immunohistochemistry, α A crystallin expression, senile cataract, Human eye Lens, Lens Fiber.

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Apolipoprotein D Concentration in Human Plasma during Aging and in Parkinson’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Parkinson s Disease ◽

10.1155/2018/3751516 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Andreas Waldner ◽

Sarah Dassati ◽

Bernhard Redl ◽

Nicola Smania ◽

Marialuisa Gandolfi

Keyword(s):

Healthy Subjects ◽

Neurological Impairment ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age Related ◽

Healthy Control ◽

Apolipoprotein D ◽

The Relationship ◽

Small Hydrophobic

Apolipoprotein D (ApoD), a lipocalin transporter of small hydrophobic molecules, plays an important role in several neurodegenerative diseases. ApoD is expressed in and secreted from a variety of peripheral and brain tissues. Increments of ApoD have been reported in relation with oxidative stress conditions, aging, and degeneration in the nervous system. Preliminary findings support the role of ApoD in neuroprotection. However, its role in PD remains unclear. To date, no studies have been performed on the relationship between ApoD in the blood and PD, as neurodegenerative pathology related to oxidative damage. We investigated the concentration of ApoD in the blood of healthy control subjects and PD patients with mild-to-moderate neurological impairment. ApoD plasma levels were measured using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in 90 healthy subjects (aging-analysis cohort) and in 66 PD patients at different stages compared with 19 age-matched healthy subjects. Significant age-related increase of ApoD was detected in subjects older than 65 years of age (p<0.002). In PD patients, a significant increase in ApoD plasma concentration was found compared with healthy subjects of the same age (p<0.05). ApoD and PD stage are significantly correlated (p<0.05). ApoD might be a valid marker for the progression of PD.

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Comprehensive longitudinal study of epigenetic mutations in aging

Clinical Epigenetics ◽

10.1186/s13148-019-0788-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Yunzhang Wang ◽

Robert Karlsson ◽

Juulia Jylhävä ◽

Åsa K. Hedman ◽

Catarina Almqvist ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Genetic Background ◽

Aging Process ◽

Genetic Factors ◽

Aberrant Methylation ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age Related ◽

Comprehensive Study

Abstract Background The role of DNA methylation in aging has been widely studied. However, epigenetic mutations, here defined as aberrant methylation levels compared to the distribution in a population, are less understood. Hence, we investigated longitudinal accumulation of epigenetic mutations, using 994 blood samples collected at up to five time points from 375 individuals in old ages. Results We verified earlier cross-sectional evidence on the increase of epigenetic mutations with age, and identified important contributing factors including sex, CD19+ B cells, genetic background, cancer diagnosis, and technical artifacts. We further classified epigenetic mutations into High/Low Methylation Outliers (HMO/LMO) according to their changes in methylation, and specifically studied methylation sites (CpGs) that were prone to mutate (frequently mutated CpGs). We validated four epigenetically mutated CpGs using pyrosequencing in 93 samples. Furthermore, by using twins, we concluded that the age-related accumulation of epigenetic mutations was not related to genetic factors, hence driven by stochastic or environmental effects. Conclusions Here we conducted a comprehensive study of epigenetic mutation and highlighted its important role in aging process and cancer development.

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Developmental Maturation of the Precuneus as a Functional Core of the Default Mode Network

Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience ◽

10.1162/jocn_a_01426 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (10) ◽

pp. 1506-1519 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Rosa Li ◽

Amanda V. Utevsky ◽

Scott A. Huettel ◽

Barbara R. Braams ◽

Sabine Peters ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Default Mode Network ◽

Network Connectivity ◽

Developmental Time ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Default Mode ◽

Time Points ◽

State Dependent ◽

Age Related ◽

Dual Regression

Efforts to map the functional architecture of the developing human brain have shown that connectivity between and within functional neural networks changes from childhood to adulthood. Although prior work has established that the adult precuneus distinctively modifies its connectivity during task versus rest states [Utevsky, A. V., Smith, D. V., & Huettel, S. A. Precuneus is a functional core of the default-mode network. Journal of Neuroscience, 34, 932–940, 2014], it remains unknown how these connectivity patterns emerge over development. Here, we use fMRI data collected at two longitudinal time points from over 250 participants between the ages of 8 and 26 years engaging in two cognitive tasks and a resting-state scan. By applying independent component analysis to both task and rest data, we identified three canonical networks of interest—the rest-based default mode network and the task-based left and right frontoparietal networks (LFPN and RFPN, respectively)—which we explored for developmental changes using dual regression analyses. We found systematic state-dependent functional connectivity in the precuneus, such that engaging in a task (compared with rest) resulted in greater precuneus–LFPN and precuneus–RFPN connectivity, whereas being at rest (compared with task) resulted in greater precuneus–default mode network connectivity. These cross-sectional results replicated across both tasks and at both developmental time points. Finally, we used longitudinal mixed models to show that the degree to which precuneus distinguishes between task and rest states increases with age, due to age-related increasing segregation between precuneus and LFPN at rest. Our results highlight the distinct role of the precuneus in tracking processing state, in a manner that is both present throughout and strengthened across development.

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Multivoxel Object Representations in Adult Human Visual Cortex Are Flexible: An Associative Learning Study

Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience ◽

10.1162/jocn_a_00933 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 28 (6) ◽

pp. 852-868 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Mehdi Senoussi ◽

Isabelle Berry ◽

Rufin VanRullen ◽

Leila Reddy

Keyword(s):

Associative Learning ◽

Medial Temporal Lobe ◽

Classification Performance ◽

Object Representations ◽

New Associations ◽

Paired Associates ◽

Before And After ◽

Cross Classification ◽

Human Participants

Learning associations between co-occurring events enables us to extract structure from our environment. Medial-temporal lobe structures are critical for associative learning. However, the role of the ventral visual pathway (VVP) in associative learning is not clear. Do multivoxel object representations in the VVP reflect newly formed associations? We show that VVP multivoxel representations become more similar to each other after human participants learn arbitrary new associations between pairs of unrelated objects (faces, houses, cars, chairs). Participants were scanned before and after 15 days of associative learning. To evaluate how object representations changed, a classifier was trained on discriminating two nonassociated categories (e.g., faces/houses) and tested on discriminating their paired associates (e.g., cars/chairs). Because the associations were arbitrary and counterbalanced across participants, there was initially no particular reason for this cross-classification decision to tend toward either alternative. Nonetheless, after learning, cross-classification performance increased in the VVP (but not hippocampus), on average by 3.3%, with some voxels showing increases of up to 10%. For example, a chair multivoxel representation that initially resembled neither face nor house representations was, after learning, classified as more similar to that of faces for participants who associated chairs with faces and to that of houses for participants who associated chairs with houses. Additionally, learning produced long-lasting perceptual consequences. In a behavioral priming experiment performed several months later, the change in cross-classification performance was correlated with the degree of priming. Thus, VVP multivoxel representations are not static but become more similar to each other after associative learning.

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The role of eye camps in rural areas of Nepal

Journal of Gandaki Medical College-Nepal ◽

10.3126/jgmcn.v12i2.27220 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 90-93

Author(s):

J. Gurung ◽

S. Tuladhar ◽

A Sharma

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Cataract Surgery ◽

Refractive Error ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Corneal Edema ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Age Related ◽

Eye Screening ◽

The Mean

Objective: To evaluate the role of eye camp in reducing avoidable blindness in Nepal. Methods: A cross sectional camp-based study was conducted in a remote village of Eastern Nepal, where a six days eye screening and free surgical camp was done. Results: A total of 467 people were screened, where 280 (60%) were males and 187 (40%) females. Mean age of the patient was 47.6 years. Age related cataract 165 (17.7%) was the commonest cause of decreased vision followed by refractive error 105 (11.2%). Among 165 cataract patients, 81 (49.1%) underwent cataract surgery. The mean age of the operated patient was 74.9 years. Among the operated eyes, visual impairment was present in 56 (69.1%) eyes and blindness in 25 (30.9%). After cataract surgery, visual acuity was restored to 6/6-6/18 in 58 (71.6%), 6/24-6/60 in 18 (22.2%) and five (6.2%) had visual acuity of <6/60. The causes of poor visual acuity in these patients were corneal edema (three cases), anterior uveitis (1 case) and optic atrophy (1 case). Pterygium excision (seven cases), entropion correction (two cases), chalazion I&C (one case) were other surgery performed in the camp. Refractive error was corrected by prescribing glasses. Conclusion: Cataract was found to be the major cause of blindness followed by refractive error. Conducting eye screening and surgical camps helps in restoring vision to the residents of remote areas, thus reducing the burden of blindness due to cataract and refractive error.

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Obesity and Density of the Crystalline Lens: Revisiting a Growing Dilemma

Biomedicine Hub ◽

10.1159/000454979 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Seyed-Farzad Mohammadi ◽

Mohsen Afarideh ◽

Hadi Z. Mehrjardi ◽

Sara Mirhadi

Keyword(s):

Adult Population ◽

Crystalline Lens ◽

Population Group ◽

Protective Role ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Optical Lens ◽

Age Related ◽

Lens Density

Background/Aims: Obesity is believed to accelerate age-related cataractogenesis through various biomechanisms. On the contrary, there are also studies advocating the protective role of obesity against the cataract formation process. We investigate the correlation of body mass index (BMI) as a measure for obesity with crystalline optical lens density and opacity in a healthy adult population. Methods: In a cross-sectional setting, 93 consecutive disease-free adult individuals who were working staff of a university-based hospital were assessed for the association between crystalline lens density and opalescence [measured by the objective Pentacam HR lens densitometry and subjective Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCS III), respectively] with the degree of obesity as defined by BMI. Results: LOCS III and crystalline lens density readings were positively correlated [Spearman rho CC (p value) = 0.224 (0.034)]. However, we found neither LOCS III nor crystalline lens density to be correlated with BMI [Spearman rho CC = −0.008 (p = 0.943) and −0.062 (p = 0.560), respectively]. Conclusions: Results from the present study indicate a lack of association between obesity and densitometry of the crystalline in the adult population group. Further studies are required to confirm the order of causality and pathogenesis of this finding.

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Everyday memory: Self-perception and structural brain correlates in a healthy elderly population

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society ◽

10.1017/s1355617710001025 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. 1115-1126 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

ASTRID BJØRNEBEKK ◽

LARS T. WESTLYE ◽

KRISTINE B. WALHOVD ◽

ANDERS M. FJELL

Keyword(s):

Verbal Memory ◽

Test Performance ◽

Medial Temporal Lobe ◽

Standardized Test ◽

Daily Life ◽

Neuropsychological Test ◽

Brain Morphology ◽

Everyday Memory ◽

Healthy Elderly ◽

Age Related

AbstractMapping the cerebral structural correlates of age-related cognitive decline is a growing area of research. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between healthy elderly’s perceived memory functioning in daily life, neuropsychological test performance on a standardized test on verbal memory, and cortical thickness and subcortical volumes in brain regions implicated in memory networks, including the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Eighty-three healthy and cognitively well-functioning volunteers aged 60–85 years underwent MRI scans, Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ), and neuropsychological assessment. Both self-perceived memory in daily life related to attention and executive functions and an objective measure of verbal recall (CVLT) were, independently, associated with thickness of the left MTL. The two cognitive variables were uncorrelated, and including both measures in the model nearly doubled the amount of explained variance on MTL thickness. This suggests that measures of perceived everyday memory might substantially inform and supplement studies investigating the relationships between neuropsychological test performance and brain morphology. The results are consistent with a bigger-is-better relationship in the MTL and suggest that EMQ and neuropsychological test performance have detectable and comparable structural correlates in a region critically involved in memory functions in the well-functioning elderly. (JINS, 2010, 16, 1115–1126.)

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Developmental maturation of the precuneus as a functional core of the default-mode network

10.1101/419028 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Rosa Li ◽

Amanda V. Utevsky ◽

Scott A. Huettel ◽

Barbara R. Braams ◽

Sabine Peters ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Default Mode Network ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Default Mode ◽

State Dependent ◽

Age Related ◽

Connectivity Patterns ◽

Dual Regression ◽

Left And Right ◽

Developmental Maturation

AbstractEfforts to map the functional architecture of the developing human brain have shown that connectivity between and within functional neural networks changes from childhood to adulthood. While prior work has established that the adult precuneus distinctively modifies its connectivity during task versus rest states (Utevsky, Smith, & Huettel, 2014), it remains unknown how these connectivity patterns emerge over development. Here, we use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data collected at two longitudinal timepoints from over 250 participants between the ages of 8 and 26 engaging in two cognitive tasks and a resting-state scan. By applying independent component analysis (ICA) to both task and rest data, we identified three canonical networks of interest – the rest-based default mode network (DMN) and the task-based left and right frontoparietal networks (LFPN, RFPN) – which we explored for developmental changes using dual-regression analyses. We found systematic state-dependent functional connectivity in the precuneus, such that engaging in a task (compared to rest) resulted in greater precuneus-LFPN and precuneus-RFPN connectivity, whereas being at rest (compared to task) resulted in greater precuneus-DMN connectivity. These cross-sectional results replicated across both tasks and at both developmental timepoints. Finally, we used longitudinal mixed models to show that the degree to which precuneus distinguishes between task and rest states increases with age, due to age-related increasing segregation between precuneus and LFPN at rest. Our results highlight the distinct role of the precuneus in tracking processing state, in a manner that is both present throughout and strengthened across development.

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