How Lifestyle Factors Affect Cognitive and Executive Function and the Ability to Learn in Children

In today’s research environment, children’s diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors are commonly studied in the context of health, independent of their effect on cognition and learning. Moreover, there is little overlap between the two literatures, although it is reasonable to expect that the lifestyle factors explored in the health-focused research are intertwined with cognition and learning processes. This thematic review provides an overview of knowledge connecting the selected lifestyle factors of diet, physical activity, and sleep hygiene to children’s cognition and learning. Research from studies of diet and nutrition, physical activity and fitness, sleep, and broader influences of cultural and socioeconomic factors related to health and learning, were summarized to offer examples of research that integrate lifestyle factors and cognition with learning. The literature review demonstrates that the associations and causal relationships between these factors are vastly understudied. As a result, current knowledge on predictors of optimal cognition and learning is incomplete, and likely lacks understanding of many critical facts and relationships, their interactions, and the nature of their relationships, such as there being mediating or confounding factors that could provide important knowledge to increase the efficacy of learning-focused interventions. This review provides information focused on studies in children. Although basic research in cells or animal studies are available and indicate a number of possible physiological pathways, inclusion of those data would distract from the fact that there is a significant gap in knowledge on lifestyle factors and optimal learning in children. In a climate where childcare and school feeding policies are continuously discussed, this thematic review aims to provide an impulse for discussion and a call for more holistic approaches to support child development.

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Primär- und Sekundärprävention des Multiplen Myeloms

DMW - Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift ◽

10.1055/a-1009-1363 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 145 (12) ◽

pp. 836-842

Author(s):

David Cordas dos Santos ◽

Nicole Erickson ◽

Lars Gerland ◽

Franziska Jundt ◽

Sebastian Theurich

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Life Expectancy ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

The State ◽

State Of Health ◽

Prevention Strategies ◽

Modifiable Factors

AbstractLifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity and exposure to noxious agents are modifiable factors that have a significant impact on the state of health and life expectancy of humans. The following article is intended to provide an overview of current knowledge on the influence of these lifestyle factors on the development and progression of multiple myeloma and is dedicated to the question of the extent to which prevention strategies can be usefully applied.

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The Role of Natural Products in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Knowledge of Basic In Vitro and In Vivo Research

Antioxidants ◽

10.3390/antiox10040599 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 599

Author(s):

Georgia-Eirini Deligiannidou ◽

Vasiliki Gougoula ◽

Eugenia Bezirtzoglou ◽

Christos Kontogiorgis ◽

Theodoros K. Constantinides

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Natural Products ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Basic Research ◽

Publication Date

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder affecting a vast variety of the population. The onset of RA as well as the development of systematic immunization is affected by both genetic and environmental risk factors. This review aims to point out the role of natural products in the management of RA, focusing on the reports of basic research (in vitro and animal studies) emphasizing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties considered in the field of RA. A systematic screening of the relevant literature was carried out on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus with the following criteria: publication date, 2015–2020; language, English; study design, in vitro or animal models; and the investigation of one or several natural products in the context of RA, including, when available, the molecular mechanisms implicated. A total of 211 papers were initially obtained and screened. In vitro and animal studies referring to 20 natural products and 15 pure compounds were ultimately included in this review. The outcomes of this work provide an overview of the methods employed in basic research over the past five years, with emphasis on the limitations presented, while demonstrating the potential benefits of utilizing natural products in the management of RA as supported by in vitro and animal studies.

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Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Uterine Fibroids

Current Molecular Medicine ◽

10.2174/1566524019666191014170912 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 247-258 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hajra Takala ◽

Qiwei Yang ◽

Ahmed M. Abd El Razek ◽

Mohamed Ali ◽

Ayman Al-Hendy

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Legal Status ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Uterine Fibroids ◽

Future Directions ◽

Working Adults ◽

The Us ◽

Alcohol Related Problems

Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol intake, have placed a substantial burden on public health. Alcohol consumption is increasing globally due to several factors including easy accessibility of this addictive substance besides its legal status and social acceptability. In the US, alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death (after tobacco, poor diet and physical inactivity) with an estimated 88,000 people dying from alcohol-related causes annually, representing 1 in 10 deaths among working adults. Furthermore, the economic burden of excess drinking costs the US around $249 billion ($191.1 billion related to binge drinking). Although men likely drink more than women do, women are at much higher risk for alcohol-related problems. Alcohol use is also considered to be one of the most common non-communicable diseases, which affects reproductive health. This review article summarizes the current knowledge about alcohol-related pathogenesis of uterine fibroids (UFs) and highlights the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of UFs in response to alcohol consumption. Additionally, the effect of alcohol on the levels of various factors that are involved in UFs pathogenesis, such as steroid hormones, growth factors and cytokines, are summarized in this review. Animal studies of deleterious alcohol effect and future directions are discussed as well.

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Modulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases by Plant-Derived Products

Current Cancer Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1568009620666201120144838 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 ◽

Author(s):

Nur Najmi Mohamad Anuar ◽

Nurul Iman Natasya Zulkafali ◽

Azizah Ugusman

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Natural Products ◽

Matrix Metalloproteinases ◽

Animal Studies ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

In Vitro Models ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Extracellular Matrix Components

: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of zinc-dependent metallo-endopeptidase that are responsible towards the degradation, repair and remodelling of extracellular matrix components. MMPs play an important role in maintaining a normal physiological function and preventing diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Natural products derived from plants have been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Its active compounds, such as catechin, resveratrol and quercetin, are suggested to play an important role as MMPs inhibitors, thereby opening new insights into their applications in many fields, such as pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. This review summarises the current knowledge on plant-derived natural products with MMP-modulating activities. Most of the reviewed plant-derived products exhibit an inhibitory activity on MMPs. Amongst MMPs, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are the most studied. The expression of MMPs is inhibited through respective signalling pathways, such as MAPK, NF-κB and PI3 kinase pathways, which contribute to the reduction in cancer cell behaviours, such as proliferation and migration. Most studies have employed in vitro models, but a limited number of animal studies and clinical trials have been conducted. Even though plant-derived products show promising results in modulating MMPs, more in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to support their therapeutic applications in the future.

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Molecular Mechanisms of Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Unraveling the Conundrum in Skeletal Muscle?

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jc.2019-00167 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 104 (11) ◽

pp. 5372-5381 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Nigel K Stepto ◽

Alba Moreno-Asso ◽

Luke C McIlvenna ◽

Kirsty A Walters ◽

Raymond J Rodgers

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Skeletal Muscle ◽

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Polycystic Ovary ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Basic Research ◽

Future Research ◽

Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Context Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition affecting 8% to 13% of women across the lifespan. PCOS affects reproductive, metabolic, and mental health, generating a considerable health burden. Advances in treatment of women with PCOS has been hampered by evolving diagnostic criteria and poor recognition by clinicians. This has resulted in limited clinical and basic research. In this study, we provide insights into the current and future research on the metabolic features of PCOS, specifically as they relate to PCOS-specific insulin resistance (IR), that may affect the most metabolically active tissue, skeletal muscle. Current Knowledge PCOS is a highly heritable condition, yet it is phenotypically heterogeneous in both reproductive and metabolic features. Human studies thus far have not identified molecular mechanisms of PCOS-specific IR in skeletal muscle. However, recent research has provided new insights that implicate energy-sensing pathways regulated via epigenomic and resultant transcriptomic changes. Animal models, while in existence, have been underused in exploring molecular mechanisms of IR in PCOS and specifically in skeletal muscle. Future Directions Based on the latest evidence synthesis and technologies, researchers exploring molecular mechanisms of IR in PCOS, specifically in muscle, will likely need to generate new hypothesis to be tested in human and animal studies. Conclusion Investigations to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving IR in PCOS are in their early stages, yet remarkable advances have been made in skeletal muscle. Overall, investigations have thus far created more questions than answers, which provide new opportunities to study complex endocrine conditions.

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Health and nutrition literacy in adults: Links with lifestyle factors and obesity

Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.3233/mnm-200471 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 361-370

Author(s):

Maria Michou ◽

Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos ◽

Christos Lionis ◽

Vassiliki Costarelli

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND: Low Health Literacy (HL) and Nutrition Literacy (NL) are associated with serious negative health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate certain lifestyle factors and obesity, in relation to HL and NL. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban area of the Attica region, in Greece. The sample consisted of 1281 individuals, aged ≥18 years. HL, NL sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption,) were assessed. Mann-Whitney U, the Kruskall Wallis, Pearson chi-square tests and multiple linear regression models were used. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis has shown that smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity, were associated with HL levels (–1.573 points for ex-smokers in comparison to smokers, p = 0.035, –1.349 points for alcohol consumers in comparison to non-consumers, p = 0.006 and 1.544 points for physically active individuals to non-active, p = 0.001). With respect to NL levels, it was also not associated with any of these factors. Obesity was not associated with HL and NL levels. CONCLUSIONS: Certain lifestyle factors, including physical activity, are predicting factors of HL levels, in Greek adults. The results contribute to the understanding of the relationship between lifestyle factors and HL and should be taken into account when HL policies are designed.

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Early Developmental Conditioning of Later Health and Disease: Physiology or Pathophysiology?

Physiological Reviews ◽

10.1152/physrev.00029.2013 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 94 (4) ◽

pp. 1027-1076 ◽

Cited By ~ 500

Author(s):

M. A. Hanson ◽

P. D. Gluckman

Keyword(s):

Animal Studies ◽

Developmental Plasticity ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Evolutionary Developmental Biology ◽

Noncommunicable Disease ◽

Normal Range ◽

Physiological Processes ◽

New Concepts ◽

Health And Disease ◽

Underlying Mechanisms

Extensive experimental animal studies and epidemiological observations have shown that environmental influences during early development affect the risk of later pathophysiological processes associated with chronic, especially noncommunicable, disease (NCD). This field is recognized as the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). We discuss the extent to which DOHaD represents the result of the physiological processes of developmental plasticity, which may have potential adverse consequences in terms of NCD risk later, or whether it is the manifestation of pathophysiological processes acting in early life but only becoming apparent as disease later. We argue that the evidence suggests the former, through the operation of conditioning processes induced across the normal range of developmental environments, and we summarize current knowledge of the physiological processes involved. The adaptive pathway to later risk accords with current concepts in evolutionary developmental biology, especially those concerning parental effects. Outside the normal range, effects on development can result in nonadaptive processes, and we review their underlying mechanisms and consequences. New concepts concerning the underlying epigenetic and other mechanisms involved in both disruptive and nondisruptive pathways to disease are reviewed, including the evidence for transgenerational passage of risk from both maternal and paternal lines. These concepts have wider implications for understanding the causes and possible prevention of NCDs such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, for broader social policy and for the increasing attention paid in public health to the lifecourse approach to NCD prevention.

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Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094790 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4790

Author(s):

Marcia P. Jimenez ◽

Nicole V. DeVille ◽

Elise G. Elliott ◽

Jessica E. Schiff ◽

Grete E. Wilt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Green Space ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Empirical Literature ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Long Term Effects

There is extensive empirical literature on the association between exposure to nature and health. In this narrative review, we discuss the strength of evidence from recent (i.e., the last decade) experimental and observational studies on nature exposure and health, highlighting research on children and youth where possible. We found evidence for associations between nature exposure and improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure, mental health, physical activity, and sleep. Results from experimental studies provide evidence of protective effects of exposure to natural environments on mental health outcomes and cognitive function. Cross-sectional observational studies provide evidence of positive associations between nature exposure and increased levels of physical activity and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, and longitudinal observational studies are beginning to assess long-term effects of nature exposure on depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and chronic disease. Limitations of current knowledge include inconsistent measures of exposure to nature, the impacts of the type and quality of green space, and health effects of duration and frequency of exposure. Future directions include incorporation of more rigorous study designs, investigation of the underlying mechanisms of the association between green space and health, advancement of exposure assessment, and evaluation of sensitive periods in the early life-course.

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A Scoping Review of Modifiable Risk Factors in Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis: Building for the Future

Children ◽

10.3390/children5110146 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (11) ◽

pp. 146 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Julie Pétrin ◽

Max Fiander ◽

Prenitha Doss ◽

E. Yeh

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Relapse Rate ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Full Text ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Modifiable Lifestyle Factors ◽

Pediatric Onset

Knowledge of the effect of modifiable lifestyle factors in the pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) population is limited. We therefore conducted a scoping review, following the framework provided by Arksey and O’Malley. Four databases were searched for pediatric MS and modifiable lifestyle factors using index terms and keywords, from inception to May 2018. All quantitative and qualitative primary articles were included and limited to English and full text. Of the 7202 articles identified and screened, 25 full-text articles were relevant to our objective and were included. These articles focused on diet obesity, physical activity, and sleep. In cross-sectional analyses, these lifestyle factors were associated with increased risk of pediatric onset MS (POMS), and increased disease activity. Diet, particularly vitamin D and vegetable intake, was associated with reduced relapse rate. Obesity was linked to increased risk of POMS, and physical activity was associated with reduced relapse rate and sleep/rest fatigue. Thus, available studies of lifestyle related outcomes in pediatric MS suggest specific lifestyle related factors, including obesity, higher vitamin D levels, and higher physical activity may associate with lower disease burden in POMS. Studies reviewed are limited by their observational designs. Future studies with longitudinal and experimental designs may further clarify the role of modifiable lifestyle factors in this population.

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Differing Contributions of Classical Risk Factors to Type 2 Diabetes in Multi-Ethnic Malaysian Populations

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15122813 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. 2813

Author(s):

Noraidatulakma Abdullah ◽

Nor Abdul Murad ◽

John Attia ◽

Christopher Oldmeadow ◽

Mohd Kamaruddin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Family History ◽

Characteristic Curve ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Predictive Utility ◽

Family History Of Diabetes ◽

History Of

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is escalating rapidly in Asian countries, with the rapid increase likely attributable to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Recent research suggests that common genetic risk variants contribute minimally to the rapidly rising prevalence. Rather, recent changes in dietary patterns and physical activity may be more important. This nested case-control study assessed the association and predictive utility of type 2 diabetes lifestyle risk factors in participants from Malaysia, an understudied Asian population with comparatively high disease prevalence. The study sample comprised 4077 participants from The Malaysian Cohort project and included sub-samples from the three major ancestral groups: Malay (n = 1323), Chinese (n = 1344) and Indian (n = 1410). Association of lifestyle factors with type 2 diabetes was assessed within and across ancestral groups using logistic regression. Predictive utility was quantified and compared between groups using the Area Under the Receiver-Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC). In predictive models including age, gender, waist-to-hip ratio, physical activity, location, family history of diabetes and average sleep duration, the AUC ranged from 0.76 to 0.85 across groups and was significantly higher in Chinese than Malays or Indians, likely reflecting anthropometric differences. This study suggests that obesity, advancing age, a family history of diabetes and living in a rural area are important drivers of the escalating prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Malaysia.

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