Cognitive function typically declines with aging, but evidence suggests physical activity can help mitigate some of these declines. A recent study in mice found that exercise improves memory and spatial learning by inhibiting neuroinflammation, primarily via the actions of irisin, a myokine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth factor and signaling protein. Researchers conducted a two-part study to investigate the effects of regular, low-intensity exercise on cognitive function in mouse models of inflammation-driven memory impairment and microglia (brain immune cell) degener... exercise brain inflammation memory dementia nrf2
Read moreObesity, which affects more than 40 percent of U.S. adults, arises when the body stores excess fat, primarily in adipose tissue. While adipose tissue is an important source of energy, its capacity to produce energy in the setting of obesity diminishes, complicating weight loss efforts. A recent study demonstrates that obesity promotes fragmentation of the mitochondria in adipose cells, resulting in smaller and less effective mitochondria with reduced fat-burning capacity. Researchers fed mice an obesogenic diet and assessed its effects on their fat cells' mitochondrial function. Then, they ana... diet obesity mitochondria fat
Read moreMicrobes in your gut may trigger your motivation to exercise, a new study in mice has found. Compounds produced by the microbes signal the release of dopamine – a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that promotes the "runner's high" and the desire to exercise. Researchers analyzed the gut microbial species and the byproducts of their metabolism from nearly 200 mice with diverse genetic backgrounds. They also tracked the animals' daily exercise activity and measured their endurance. They found that mice that had certain species of gut microbes – Eubacterium rectale and Coprococcus eutactu... exercise microbiome microbes dopamine
Read moreStroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, claiming the lives of roughly 5 million people and leaving another 5 million permanently disabled every year. A 2013 study demonstrated that sulforaphane protects the brain during ischemic stroke via hormetic preconditioning. Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is reduced or interrupted, starving neurons of oxygen and nutrients. Neuronal death occurs in the immediate area of a stroke within the first few hours of the incident, but nearby cells can be rescued with appropriate therapies. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-... brain sulforaphane stroke nrf2
Read moreMany factors influence human emotions and behavior. A key player in their regulation is the gut microbiome – the community of microbes that resides in the intestinal tract. Findings from a new study show indicate that antibiotic use early in life alters neuropeptide signaling pathways that influence behavioral development. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat ear infections, respiratory illness, and diarrhea in children. They are among the most commonly prescribed drugs among children living in the United States (https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/1/23.short). Neuropept... microbiome
Read more[toc position='left'] Background Berberine is an alkaloid compound present in the roots, stems, rhizomes, and bark of a variety of plants, including Californian poppy, goldenseal, cork tree, Chinese goldthread, Oregon grape, and several plants in the Berberis genus. It is also widely available as a dietary supplement. Berberine has a long history of use in the ancient and traditional medicine systems of India, China, and Persia. Research demonstrates that berberine may exert pharmacological effects against certain chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disor... exercise brain parkinson's depression aging diabetes heart disease fatty liver
Read moreBetacoronaviruses are a subfamily of the coronaviruses – a group of related viruses that cause illness in birds and mammals, including humans. Members of this subfamily include SARS-CoV-1 (which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS), MERS-CoV (which causes Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS), SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19), and HCoV-OC43 (which causes the common cold). A 2013 study found that betacoronaviruses generate cross-reactive antibodies against SARS-CoV in serological testing. Serological tests detect antibodies present in the blood following a response to a sp... immune system covid-19
Read more[toc position='left'] Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that is critical in storing and releasing cellular energy. It also participates in many biological processes driving pregnancy outcomes, maintaining bone mineral density and muscle mass in older adults, improving neurological function, and aiding the immune system to fight cancer. Creatine is best known for its widespread use as a dietary supplement to enhance physical performance. Creatine uptake, synthesis, storage, and supplementation Creatine uptake Creatine can be supplied exogenously (from dietary or supplemental sources) ... metabolism neurodegeneration nutrition brain aging depression pregnancy
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