Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes cognitive and motor impairments. The motor complications of Parkinson's disease occur due to the damage and death of cells in a brain region called the substantia nigra, leading to insufficient dopamine production. A new report shows how an antioxidant compound found in sesame seeds, called sesaminol, can protect cells from oxidative damage and prevent the development of Parkinson's disease. Oxidative stress is a main driver of cell damage and aging and is the result of normal cellular metabolism. The body produces a number of anti... parkinson's
Read moreVitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays key roles in several physiological processes, including immune function. Research indicates that people who take supplemental vitamin D are less likely to have acute respiratory tract infections. Findings from a new study suggest that regular use of supplemental vitamin D reduces the risk of developing COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency in the setting of COVID-19 can lead to over-expression of renin (an enzyme produced in the kidneys) and subsequent activation of the renin-angiotensin-system, a critical regulator of blood pressure, inflammation, and b... vitamin d covid-19
Read moreExercise is a critical component of public health recommendations to prevent cancer. A growing body of scientific research demonstrates that engaging in exercise after a cancer diagnosis can improve outcomes, but the mechanisms that mediate these effects are not fully characterized. Findings from a new study demonstrate that exercise alters the metabolism of cytotoxic T cells to improve their ability to attack cancer cells. Cytotoxic T cells play key roles in the body's immune response. They destroy malignant cells by triggering apoptosis – a type of cellular self-destruct mechanism that rids... cancer lactate exercise
Read moreSulforaphane is a plant-based dietary compound derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli (especially broccoli sprouts), kale, and others. It exerts a wide range of beneficial health effects on the human body. A new study suggests that sulforaphane mitigates sarcopenia and cardiac dysfunction via activation of Nrf2. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle tissue that occurs during the aging process, and cardiac dysfunction are common features of aging. Key players in the pathophysiology of these conditions are mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage. Nrf2 is a cellular protein that ... nrf2 sulforaphane
Read moreMitochondria play critical roles in cellular energy and function. The decline in mitochondrial quality and activity that occurs with aging is linked to the development of a wide range of age-related diseases. The highest concentrations of mitochondria in the body are found in the rods and cones of the eyes, where they support multiple aspects of vision. Findings from a new study indicate that viewing a red light restores mitochondrial function in the eyes of older adults. Mitochondria have specific light absorbance characteristics that modulate their performance. For example, the mitochondria... eyes
Read moreAs the human body ages several changes occur, including the gradual erosion of the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres. A 2012 study suggests that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can counteract telomere shortening and slow aging. Telomeres function as a protective buffer against DNA loss during replication and DNA damage caused by inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and other chemical compounds. Telomeres get shorter with age and telomere length is a biological marker for age. Previous research has demonstrated that many factors can affect the rate of telo... obesity aging omega-3 inflammation
Read moreAs many as 10 million people living in the United States have low iron levels (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3685880/). Findings from a new study suggest that iron levels in the basal ganglia region of the brain during youth influence cognitive ability. Iron is an essential nutrient that plays critical roles in many facets of brain function, including cellular respiration, neurotransmitter synthesis, and myelination – a process essential to nerve cell transmission and cognitive development. Iron can be obtained in the diet from both animal and plant sources. The basal ganglia ... brain development iron neurons
Read moreSevere energy deficit, such as would occur during dieting or prolonged hospitalization, promotes skeletal muscle losses. A recent study demonstrated that exercise mitigates some of these losses by inhibiting the induction of autophagy. Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular defense mechanism that sequesters protein aggregates, pathogens, and damaged or dysfunctional organelles into vesicles called autophagosomes and then delivers them for destruction. The primary goal of autophagy is to allow the cell to adapt to changing conditions and external stressors, including energy deficit. The stu... exercise fasting protein
Read moreTelomeres are distinctive structures comprised of short, repetitive sequences of DNA located on the ends of chromosomes that prevent chromosomes from losing genes or sticking to other chromosomes during cell division. Telomere attrition, a biomarker of aging, is commonly associated with mental health conditions such as social anxiety disorder. Protection against telomere shortening is provided by activation of the enzymes telomerase and glutathione peroxidase. Findings from a new study suggest that cognitive behavior therapy reduces telomere attrition by activating these protective mechanisms.... aging anxiety glutathione
Read moreInflammation is a critical element of the body’s immune response that involves the activity of immune cells, cell-signaling proteins, and pro-inflammatory factors. Chronic inflammation, which occurs on the cellular level in response to toxins or other stressors, is implicated in the development of many chronic illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Findings from a new study indicate that inflammation may be a factor in the "brain fog" that commonly accompanies chronic illness. The double-blinded placebo-controlled study involved 20 young men (average age, 24 years)... brain inflammation depression protein
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