Cell-Autonomous Regulation of Astrocyte Activation by the Circadian Clock Protein BMAL1

BMAL1 Graphical Abstract
Summary: Sleep disruption (circadian rhythm dysfunction) can influence brain function and neurological diseases through inflammatory pathways. Abstract: Circadian clock dysfunction is a common symptom of aging and neurodegenerative diseases, though its impact on brain health is poorly understood. Astrocyte activation occurs in response to diverse insults and plays a critical role in brain health and
Read more
1 Comment

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and APOE4-associated Alzheimer’s Disease

Elderly woman with caregiver in wheelchair
Role of phosphatidylcholine-DHA in preventing APOE4-associated Alzheimer’s disease Summary: Omega 3 fatty acid DHA can help improve symptoms of people with Alzheimer’s, who are predisposed because of the APOE4 gene. APOE4 is a major risk factor and plays a role in the development of Alzheimer’s in some people. Abstract: Dietary and supplemental intake of the
Read more
No Comments

Systematic Genome Assessment of B-vitamin Biosynthesis Suggests Co-operation Among Gut Microbes

Various foods that contain B1 vitamins
Summary Our gut microbiome is capable of synthesizing B vitamins. If there’s a B vitamin deficiency, it would be beneficial to work on gut bacteria to improve symptoms. Abstract The human gut microbiota supplies its host with essential nutrients, including B-vitamins. Using the PubSEED platform, we systematically assessed the genomes of 256 common human gut
Read more
No Comments

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Time-Dependently Reduce Cell Viability and Oncogenic MicroRNA-21 Expression in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7)

Abstract The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), and its metabolites, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), independently reduce the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro, but the mechanisms, which may involve microRNA (miRNA), are still unclear. The expression of the oncomiR, miR-21, is reduced by DHA treatment, but the
Read more
No Comments

Magnesium and the Regulation of Muscle Contraction

Summary Magnesium can help relax overly-contracted muscles. Abstract There are a variety of Ca2+ binding sites in muscle (e.g., troponin, parvalbumin, myosin, and calmodulin) that may play a role in the regulation of muscle contraction an other enzymatic processes. Since most of these proteins also bind Mg2+, it is important to consider the effect that
Read more
No Comments

Marine Fish Oil is More Potent than Plant-Based n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention of Mammary Tumors.

Abstract Marine-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to inhibit mammary carcinogenesis. However, evidence regarding plant-based α-linolenic acid (ALA), the major n-3 PUFA in the Western diet, remains equivocal. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of lifelong exposure to plant-
Read more
No Comments

Muscle Mass Index as a Predictor of Longevity in Older-Adults

Abstract Obesity (as defined by body mass index) hasn’t been consistently associated with higher mortality in older adults. However, total body mass includes fat and muscle which have different metabolic effects. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that greater muscle mass in older adults will be associated with lower all-cause mortality. All-cause mortality
Read more
No Comments

Vitamin A Deficiency Effects During Influenza A Infection in BALB/c Mice

Abstract We examined the effect of advanced vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol < or = 0.35 micromol/L, with weight gain significantly lower than in controls with free access to food) on the secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) response to a mild, upper respiratory tract infection with influenza A virus in BALB/c mice. Mice fed a vitamin
Read more
No Comments

Dehydroepiandrosterone in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a weak androgen that exerts pleomorphic effects on the immune system. The hormone has no known receptor, and consequently, the mechanism of action of DHEA on immunocompetent cells remains poorly understood. Interestingly, serum levels of DHEA are decreased in patients with inflammatory disease including lupus, and these levels seem to inversely
Read more
No Comments

Gut Microbiota Mediates the Anti-Seizure Effects of Ketogenic Diet

Abstract The ketogenic diet (KD) is used to treat refractory epilepsy, but the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects remain unclear. Here, we show that the gut microbiota is altered by the KD and required for protection against acute electrically induced seizures and spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures in two mouse models. Mice treated with antibiotics or reared
Read more
1 Comment