PMID: 

Nutrients. 2020 Jan 1 ;12(1). Epub 2020 Jan 1. PMID: 31906372

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Probiotics on Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Abstract: 

The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate whether the use of probiotics has any effect on the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) before patients develop type 2 diabetes. A qualitative systematic review, following the Cochrane methodology, and a comprehensive literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted in PubMed and Scopus from inception until 4 July 2019. According to our inclusion criteria, nine clinical studies were finally analyzed, corresponding to six RCTs. Probiotics intake in patients with MetS resulted in improvements in body mass index, blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and lipid profile in some studies. Regarding inflammatory biomarkers, probiotics also positively affected the soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), interleukine-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and thrombomodulin. Despite the diversity of the published studies, the intake of probiotics for patients with MetS may offer a discrete improvement in some of the clinical characteristics of the MetS and a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers.Nevertheless, these beneficial effects seem to be marginal compared to drug therapy and a healthy lifestyle and clinically non-relevant.

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PMID: 

Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2020 Jan 6. Epub 2020 Jan 6. PMID: 31914909

Abstract Title: 

The Effects of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Mental Disorders: a Review on Depression, Anxiety, Alzheimer, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Probiotics and their nutrient sources (prebiotics) has been shown to have positive effects on different organs of the host. The idea of their potential benefits on central nervous systems (CNS) and the incidence of Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer, Depression, Autism, and other mental disorders has proposed a new category of medicines called"psychobiotic"which is hoped to be of low-side effect anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety constitutes.OBJECTIVE: In the current review, we present valuable insights into the complicated interactions between the GI microbiota (especially in the colon), brain, immune and central nervous systems and provide a summary of the main findings of the effects of pro- and prebiotics on important mental disorders from the potential mechanisms of action to their application in clinical practice.METHODS: Google Scholar, Pub Med, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were searched using following key words:"probiotics","prebiotics","mental disorders","psychological disorders","depression","anxiety","stress","Alzheimer"and"autism spectrum". The full text of potentially eligible studies was retrieved and assessed in detail by the reviewers. Data were extracted and then summarized from the selected papers.RESULTS: The results of the provided evidence suggest that probiotic and prebiotics might improve mental function via several mechanisms. The beneficial effects of their application in Depression, Anxiety, Alzheimer and autism spectrum diseases has also been supported in clinical studies.CONCLUSION: Pro and prebiotics can improve mental health and psychological function and can be offered as new medicines for common mental disorders however more clinical studies are necessary to conduct regarding the clinical significance of the effects and their bioequivalence or superiority against current treatments.

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PMID: 

Nutr Rev. 2020 Jan 9. Epub 2020 Jan 9. PMID: 31917829

Abstract Title: 

Preclinical and clinical relevance of probiotics and synbiotics in colorectal carcinogenesis: a systematic review.

Abstract: 

CONTEXT: Recent evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota may help prevent colorectal cancer.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the role of probiotics and synbiotics in the prevention of colorectal cancer and to clarify potential mechanisms involved.DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, ScienceDirect, and LILACS databases were searched for studies conducted in humans or animal models and published up to August 15, 2018.STUDY SELECTION: Clinical trials and placebo-controlled experimental studies that evaluated the effects of probiotics and synbiotics in colorectal cancer and cancer associated with inflammatory bowel disease were included. Of 247 articles identified, 31 remained after exclusion criteria were applied. A search of reference lists identified 5 additional studies, for a total of 36 included studies.DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently assessed risk of bias of included studies and extracted data. Data were pooled by type of study, ie, preclinical or clinical.RESULTS: The results showed positive effects of probiotics and synbiotics in preventing colorectal cancer. The main mechanisms identified were alterations in the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota; reduction of inflammation; induction of apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth; modulation of immune responses and cell proliferation; enhanced function of the intestinal barrier; production of compounds with anticarcinogenic activity; and modulation of oxidative stress.CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics or synbiotics may help prevent colorectal cancer, but additional studies in humans are required to better inform clinical practice.

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PMID: 

Mol Biol Rep. 2020 Jan 9. Epub 2020 Jan 9. PMID: 31919753

Abstract Title: 

Probiotic mediated NF-κB regulation for prospective management of type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: 

Diabetes and other lifestyle disorders have been recognized as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a major factor involved in the early pathobiology of diabetes and studies reveal that hyperglycemic conditions in body leads to NF-κB mediated activation of several cytokines, chemokines and inflammatory molecules. NF-κB family comprises of certain DNA-binding protein factors that elicit the transcription of pro-inflammatory molecules. Various studies have identified NF-κB as a promising target for diabetic management. Probiotics have been proposed as bio-therapeutic agents for treatment of inflammatory disorders and many other chronic clinical stages. The precise mechanisms by which probiotics acts is yet to be fully understood, however research findings have indicated their role in NF-κB modulation. The current review highlights NF-κB as a bio-therapeutic target for probable management of type 2 diabetes through probiotic intervention.

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PMID: 

Oral Oncol. 2020 Jan 7 ;102:104559. Epub 2020 Jan 7. PMID: 31923856

Abstract Title: 

The effectiveness of probiotics in prevention and treatment of cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: 

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common and troublesome adverse side effect of many cancer therapy modalities (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and chemo-radiotherapy), which can cause pain, ulceration, dysphagia, malnutrition, even treatment interruption. Probiotics may be effective in preventing and treating of cancer therapy-induced OM. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of probiotics in prevention and treatment of cancer therapy-induced OM. Four databases and one trial registry were searched as of the 12th of May 2019 to identify all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT). Five studies involving 435 patients were included in this study. Methodological quality and outcomes were evaluated in every study included. Pooled results showed a moderate heterogeneity (P = 0.15, I = 44%). The pooled RRs indicated that the use of probiotics decreased the risk of OM for grade ≥3 (RR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.54-0.81, P 

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PMID: 

Asian J Psychiatr. 2019 Dec 19 ;48:101894. Epub 2019 Dec 19. PMID: 31918308

Abstract Title: 

Physical exercise prevents mice from L-Kynurenine-induced depression-like behavior.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Depression is a wide-spread disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Recent studies in neuroinflammation suggested that increased plasma kynurenine (KYN) level was related to depressive symptoms, while animal studies indicated that KYN increase could be caused by environmental stressor. Recent study reported that exercise may prevent stress-induced depression by enhancing KYN metabolism in muscle. This study seeks to test the effect of voluntary exercise on depressive-like behavior induced by stress and KYN in mice.HYPOTHESIS: Exercise prevents depressive-like behavior induced by KYN.RESULTS: Our study found that two weeks of voluntary exercise greatly reduced stress-induced helplessness in mice. On non-stressed mice, naïve mice injected with KYN showed increased immobile time in the TST (214 ± 30 s for KYN vs. 181 ± 33 s for saline; p

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PMID: 

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2020 Jan 2. Epub 2020 Jan 2. PMID: 31898168

Abstract Title: 

The association between sedentary behavior and cognitive ability in older adults.

Abstract: 

Executive functions (EF) are a grouping of cognitive abilities essential for daily life. Previous research has shown that physical activity (PA) may in fact preserve EF in older adults, but the link between sedentary behavior (SB) and cognitive ability has been less explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between SB and cognition (executive function and memory) in older adults. Seventy five older adults (74.6 ± 9 years) self-reported their sedentary time (ST) and PA, as well as EF ability (paper-based measure of EF). Participants also completed several performance-based measures of EF and a memory task. Older adults who were less sedentary had superior EF and memory (e.g., Stroop time was significantly faster in less sedentary adults (34.7 s ± 1.9) compared to more sedentary adults (39.6 s ± 1.8), p = .02). Regression analysis showed that total ST was associated with several measures of EF after adjusting for age, and physical activity (e.g., Stroop time β =  .005 (.002,.009). Less cognitively demanding SB (TV viewing and napping) was associated with worse performance on most EF and in the memory task. Performing a hobby was also associated with lower levels of EF and memory. For example, the building times for the Lego task were positively related to napping (r = .34), watching TV (r = .27), and performing a hobby (r = .46). Associations of ST with cognitive abilities were more pronounced in older adults who engaged in less PA. These results suggest that SB may play an important role in cognitive abilities of older adults. Longitudinal studies using performance-based assessments of EF are needed. Lara Coelho and Kayla Hauck contributed equally to the manuscript.

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PMID: 

Cancer Sci. 2020 Jan 11. Epub 2020 Jan 11. PMID: 31925977

Abstract Title: 

Occupational sitting time and subsequent risk of cancer: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective (JPHC) Study.

Abstract: 

Although occupational sitting time has been associated with adverse health outcomes and mortality, the association with cancer incidence remains unknown. This study investigated the association between occupational sitting time and risk of total and site-specific cancer in a Japanese population. We evaluated 33,307 participants aged 50-79 years who responded to a questionnaire in 2000-2003 in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study and were followed until 2013. Participants were grouped by sitting time at work. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of cancer incidence were calculated with adjustment for potential confounders including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. During 10.2 years of follow-up, 3,807 newly diagnosed cases of cancer were identified. Occupational sitting time was marginally associated with total cancer, with multivariable HRs for the≥7 hours/day versus 1-

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Dec 21 ;12(1). Epub 2019 Dec 21. PMID: 31877702

Abstract Title: 

The Mediterranean Diet Slows Down the Progression of Aging and Helps to Prevent the Onset of Frailty: A Narrative Review.

Abstract: 

The aging population is rapidly increasing all over the world. This results in significant implications for the planning and provision of health and social care. Aging is physiologically characterized by a decrease in lean mass, bone mineral density and, to a lesser extent, fat mass. The onset of sarcopenia leads to weakness and a further decrease in physical activity. An insufficient protein intake, which we often observe in patients of advanced age, certainly accelerates the progression of sarcopenia. In addition, many other factors (e.g., insulin resistance, impaired protein digestion and absorption of amino acids) reduce the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis in the elderly, even if the protein intake is adequate. Inadequate intake of foods can also cause micronutrient deficiencies that contribute to the development of frailty. We know that a healthy eating style in middle age predisposes to so-called"healthy and successful"aging, which is the condition of the absence of serious chronic diseases or of an important decline in cognitive or physical functions, or mental health. The Mediterranean diet is recognized to be a"healthy food"dietary pattern; high adherence to this dietary pattern is associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases and lower physical impairment in old age. The aim of our review was to analyze observational studies (cohort and case-control studies) that investigated the effects of following a healthy diet, and especially the effect of adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), on the progression of aging and on onset of frailty.

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PMID: 

Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Dec ;7(12):3853-3862. Epub 2019 Oct 28. PMID: 31890163

Abstract Title: 

Evaluation of nutritional profile and total antioxidant capacity of the Mediterranean diet of southern Spain.

Abstract: 

The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant capacity of a Mediterranean diet consisting typical dishes from southern Spain. For that, a 5-day diet was developed with typical dishes of Murcia. The antioxidant capacity of the diet was measured using ORAC, FRAP, and DPPH methods, and the total phenolic compound content of this diet was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu. About 50% of the antioxidant capacity and 29% of the phenolic compounds per day came from sample 14 (artichokes with ham), whereas only 1% and a 4%, respectively, proceed from sample 16 (gypsy pot). The total antioxidant capacity of the diet was estimated as 9,506.33 ET/100 g/person/day by the ORACmethod, and the total phenolic consume was estimated as 1,839.05 mg GAE/person/day. The proposed diet can be considered an excellent strategy for improving the nutritional status of the population because of its high antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content.

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