Skeletal muscle architecture and aging: A comparison of ultrasound techniques and an assessment of intrarater reliability.

OBJECTIVE: To assess intrarater reliability of ultrasound-determined measurements of skeletal muscle characteristics across different measurement outcomes, imaging techniques, and age groups. METHODS: 2D ultrasound images (B-mode) of the quadriceps were obtained from young (26 ± 4 year, n = 8 M, 8 F) and older (70 ± 7 year, n = 7 M, 5 F) adults on two occasions, separated by 6 ± 3 days. With participants in both standing and supine postures, images were collected from five anatomical sites along the anterior (two sites) and lateral (three sites) compartments of the thigh corresponding to 56%, 39%, and 22% (lateral only) of femur length. Images were analysed for muscle thickness, pennation angle, and echogenicity. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess reliability. RESULTS: Muscle thickness values were higher (p < 0.05) on images collected in the stand versus supine posture only for muscles of the anterior compartment, independent of age. Echogenicity values were higher (p < 0.05) in the vastus intermedius on images collected in the supine versus stand posture only in older adults. Pennation angle values were not impacted by imaging posture (p > 0.05). ICC values for thickness, echogenicity, and pennation angle were generally higher for analyses conducted on images collected in the supine versus stand posture. Imaging posture generated a greater difference in ICC values in the lateral versus anterior muscles and in older versus younger participants. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that participant posture during imaging impacts the absolute values and intrarater reliability of ultrasound-determined muscle characteristics in a muscle-specific fashion, and this effect is greater in older compared to younger individuals.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and COVID-19 Stress on Changes in Mental Health among Young Adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to poor mental health outcomes and may be particularly damaging for young adults who may be more affected by governmental pandemic responses such as mandatory school and work closures, online schooling, and social isolation. Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has also been shown to have a significant impact on mental health among young adults. This prospective study examined whether young adults with higher ACE profiles were more vulnerable to COVID-19 stressors. Using pre-COVID-19 data from the Niagara Longitudinal Heart Study and a follow-up online survey during COVID-19, we examined 171 young adults and found that high COVID-19-related stress, especially emotional and relationship stress, led to a greater reduction in mental health among young adults with higher levels of ACEs. Findings indicate that young adults with high ACE profiles may benefit from resources and intervention programs directed at mental health in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

No Mediation Effect of Telomere Length or Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number on the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Central Arterial Stiffness.

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Previous reports have suggested that accelerated biological aging-indexed by telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn)-may contribute to associations between ACEs and cardiovascular health outcomes. Here, we examine the potential mediating effects of TL and mtDNAcn on the association between ACEs and central arterial stiffness-an intermediate cardiovascular health outcome-as a novel pathway linking ACEs to CVD risk among young adults. Methods and Results One hundred and eighty-five (n=102 women; mean age, 22.5±1.5 years) individuals provided information on ACEs. TL (kb per diploid cell) and mtDNAcn (copies per diploid cell) were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques. Central arterial stiffness was measured as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV; m/s). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations between ACEs, TL, mtDNAcn, and cfPWV. ACEs were positively associated with cfPWV (ß=0.147, P=0.035). TL (ß=-0.170, P=0.011) and mtDNAcn (ß=-0.159, P=0.019) were inversely associated with cfPWV. Neither TL (ß=-0.027, P=0.726) nor mtDNAcn (ß=0.038, P=0.620) was associated with ACEs. Neither marker mediated the association between ACEs and cfPWV. Conclusions An increasing number of ACEs were associated with a faster cfPWV and thus, a greater degree of central arterial stiffness. ACEs were not associated with either TL or mtDNAcn, suggesting that these markers do not represent a mediating pathway linking ACEs to central arterial stiffness.

Examining the relationships between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), cortisol, and inflammation among young adults.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with dysregulation of inflammation and cortisol. The objectives of this study were to use principal component analysis to explore the inflammatory biomarker data to create inflammation composite variables; to examine the relationship between these composite measures of inflammation with ACEs and cortisol; and to assess whether these relationships were moderated by sex. The analysis included 232 young adults from the Niagara Longitudinal Heart Study (NLHS). After adjusting for covariates, higher exposure to ACEs significantly predicted higher low-grade inflammation. These results further support the use of multiple biomarkers to understand the complex relationships among ACEs, cortisol, and inflammation, which should be further examined in longitudinal studies to study biomarker trajectories.

Perfectionistic Cognitions Pre-Pandemic Predict Greater Anxiety Symptoms During the Pandemic Among Emerging Adults: A Two-Wave Cross-Lagged Study.

This study employed a two-wave cross-lagged panel analysis to examine associations between perfectionistic cognitions, anxiety, and depression pre-pandemic to during the pandemic in a sample of 171 (57% female, n = 98) emerging adults. Results demonstrated that perfectionistic cognitions decreased, anxiety increased, and depressive symptoms did not change pre-pandemic to during the pandemic. Cross-lagged results indicated that pre-pandemic perfectionistic cognitions predicted higher levels of anxiety symptoms (but not depressive symptoms) during the pandemic after accounting for pre-pandemic levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. These results held with the inclusion of covariates (i.e., sex, age, education, exposure to COVID-19, whether or not participants knew someone diagnosed with COVID-19, had lost income due to the pandemic, and how often they thought about COVID-19). Psychological distress (i.e., anxiety and depressive symptoms) pre-pandemic did not predict perfectionistic cognitions during the pandemic after accounting for pre-pandemic levels of perfectionistic cognitions. Results support assertions that individuals with heightened levels of perfectionism are at an increased risk for poorer mental health during the pandemic. Findings underscore the importance of assessing perfectionistic cognitions for the prevention and treatment of anxiety symptoms among emerging adults during and post-pandemic.

Perfectionistic cognitions, Interleukin-6, and C-Reactive protein: A test of the perfectionism diathesis stress model.

Previous research has demonstrated that perfectionism is implicated in poorer health and earlier mortality. However, to our knowledge, research has not yet determined how individual differences in perfectionistic cognitions are related to intermediary health markers such as inflammation. Thus, within the theoretical frameworks of the perfectionism diathesis-stress model (Hewitt and Flett, 1993) and the cognitive theory of perfectionism (Flett et al., 2018; Flett et al., 2016) the aims of our study were to test whether individual differences in perfectionistic cognitions were associated with low-grade inflammation via c-reactive CRP and IL-6 biomarkers and whether these relationships varied as a function perceived stress. The sample included 248 Canadian young adults (52% female, Mage â€‹= â€‹22.89, SD â€‹= â€‹1.53) who completed surveys assessing key constructs such as perfectionistic cognitions and perceived stress along with providing assessments of body fat percentage and serum samples of IL-6 and CRP. Regression analyses indicated that perfectionistic cognitions were not related to IL-6 under any conditions of stress. However, under high levels of stress perfectionistic cognitions were associated with elevated levels of CRP and these findings held after accounting for the effects of smoking status, body fat percentage, and respondent sex. The present work adds to the growing body of evidence supporting links between personality and inflammation. These findings raise the possibility that experiencing more frequent thoughts centered on the need to be perfect when coupled with higher levels of stress may set the stage for greater vulnerability for chronic inflammation.

4-Phenylbutyric acid improves free fatty acid-induced hepatic insulin resistance in vivo.

Plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) are elevated in obesity and can induce insulin resistance via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, it is unknown whether hepatic insulin resistance caused by the elevation of plasma FFAs is alleviated by chemical chaperones. Rats received one of the following i.v. treatments for 48 h: saline, intralipid plus heparin (IH), IH plus the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA), or PBA alone and a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed during the last 2 h. PBA co-infusion normalized IH-induced peripheral insulin resistance, similar to our previous findings with an antioxidant and an IκBα kinase ß (IKKß) inhibitor. Different from our previous results with the antioxidant and IKKß inhibitor, PBA also improved IH-induced hepatic insulin resistance in parallel with activation of Akt. Unexpectedly, IH did not induce markers of ER stress in the liver, but PBA prevented IH-induced elevation of phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor-2α protein in adipose tissue. PBA tended to decrease circulating fetuin-A and significantly increased circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) without affecting markers of activation of hepatic protein kinase C-δ or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase that we have previously involved in hepatic insulin resistance in this model. In conclusion: (i) PBA prevented hepatic insulin resistance caused by prolonged plasma FFA elevation without affecting hepatic ER stress markers; (ii) the PBA effect is likely due to increased FGF21 and/or decreased fetuin-A, which directly signal to upregulate Akt activation.

Inhibition of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Proliferation and Survival by Rosemary Extract Is Associated with Activation of ERK and AMPK.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents an aggressive form of lung cancer which often develops resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy emphasizing a need to identify novel treatment agents to combat it. Many plants contain compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties and some plant-derived chemicals are used in the treatment of cancer. A limited number of in vitro and in vivo animal studies provide evidence of anticancer effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract (RE); however, no studies have explored its role in H1299 NSCLC cells, and its underlying mechanism(s) of action are not understood. The current study examined the effects of RE on H1299 cell proliferation, survival, and migration using specific assays. Additionally, immunoblotting was used to investigate the effects of RE treatment on signalling molecules implicated in cell growth and survival. Treatment with RE dose-dependently inhibited H1299 proliferation with an IC50 value of 19 µg/mL. Similarly, RE dose-dependently reduced cell survival, and this reduction correlated with increased levels of cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), a marker of apoptosis. RE was also able to inhibit cell migration as assessed with a wound healing assay. These cellular effects of RE were associated with an increase in phosphorylated levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and its downstream targets ACC, the mTORC1 protein raptor, and decreased p70S6K phosphorylation. More studies are required to fully examine the effects of RE against NSCLC.

Inhibition of Human Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation and Survival by Post-Exercise Serum Is Associated with the Inhibition of Akt, mTOR, p70 S6K, and Erk1/2.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases, and for the most cancer-related deaths. The survival pathway of Akt, its downstream effectors, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70 S6K), and the Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk1/2) pathways are activated in cancer leading to cell survival and growth. Thus, approaches that inhibit these signaling molecules may prove useful in the fight against lung cancer. Exercise is associated with health benefits and a limited number of studies indicate that serum from physically active individuals inhibit mammary and prostate cancer cell growth. In this study, we examined the effects of post exercise serum on proliferation, survival, and signaling cascades of human NSCLC cells. Blood was collected from male subjects prior to, 5 min, 1 h, and 24 h after a single bout of high intensity interval exercise on a cycle ergometer. Exposure of NSCLC cells to post exercise serum resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation and survival, as well as significant reduction of phosphorylated/activated Akt, mTOR, p70 S6K, and Erk1/2 levels compared to cells treated with serum taken pre-exercise. Our data suggest that post exercise serum has anti-cancer properties in lung cancer and deserves further systematic investigation in animal models.

Anticancer Effects of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Extract and Rosemary Extract Polyphenols.

Cancer cells display enhanced growth rates and a resistance to apoptosis. The ability of cancer cells to evade homeostasis and proliferate uncontrollably while avoiding programmed cell death/apoptosis is acquired through mutations to key signaling molecules, which regulate pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival. Compounds of plant origin, including food components, have attracted scientific attention for use as agents for cancer prevention and treatment. The exploration into natural products offers great opportunity to evaluate new anticancer agents as well as understand novel and potentially relevant mechanisms of action. Rosemary extract has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer properties. Rosemary extract contains many polyphenols with carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid found in highest concentrations. The present review summarizes the existing in vitro and in vivo studies focusing on the anticancer effects of rosemary extract and the rosemary extract polyphenols carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, and their effects on key signaling molecules.

Rosemary extract reduces Akt/mTOR/p70S6K activation and inhibits proliferation and survival of A549 human lung cancer cells.

Compounds of plant origin and food components have attracted scientific attention for use as agents for cancer prevention and treatment. Rosemary extract contains polyphenols that were shown to have anti-cancer and other health benefits. The survival pathways of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p70S6K, and the apoptotic protein poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) are key modulators of cancer cell growth and survival. In this study, we examined the effects of rosemary extract on proliferation, survival and apoptosis of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and its influence on signaling events. Human NSCLC adenocarcinoma A549 cells were used. Cell proliferation and clonogenic survival were assessed using specific assays. Immunoblotting was used to examine total and phosphorylated levels of Akt, mTOR and p70S6K, and cleavage of PARP. Rosemary extract dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation and reduced clonogenic survival of A549 cells, while PARP cleavage, an indicator of apoptosis, was enhanced. Rosemary extract significantly reduced total and phosphorylated/activated Akt, mTOR and p70S6K levels. In conclusion, rosemary extract inhibited proliferation, blocked clonogenic survival, and enhanced apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells. These effects were associated with inhibition of Akt and downstream mTOR and p70S6K activity. Our data suggest that rosemary extract may have considerable anti-tumor and chemoprevention properties in lung cancer and deserves further systematic investigation in animal models of lung cancer.

Resveratrol prevents insulin resistance caused by short-term elevation of free fatty acids in vivo.

Elevated levels of plasma free fatty acids (FFA), which are commonly found in obesity, induce insulin resistance. FFA activate protein kinases including the proinflammatory IκBα kinase ß (IKKß), leading to serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and impaired insulin signaling. To test whether resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, prevents FFA-induced insulin resistance, we used a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with a tracer to assess hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity in overnight-fasted Wistar rats infused for 7 h with saline, Intralipid plus 20 U·mL(-1) heparin (IH; triglyceride emulsion that elevates FFA levels in vivo; 5.5 µL·min(-1)) with or without resveratrol (3 mg·kg(-1)·h(-1)), or resveratrol alone. Infusion of IH significantly decreased glucose infusion rate (GIR; P < 0.05) and peripheral glucose utilization (P < 0.05) and increased endogenous glucose production (EGP; P < 0.05) during the clamp compared with saline infusion. Resveratrol co-infusion, however, completely prevented the effects induced by IH infusion: it prevented the decreases in GIR (P < 0.05 vs. IH), peripheral glucose utilization (P < 0.05 vs. IH), and insulin-induced suppression of EGP (P < 0.05 vs. IH). Resveratrol alone had no effect. Furthermore, IH infusion increased serine (307) phosphorylation of IRS-1 in soleus muscle (∼30-fold, P < 0.001), decreased total IRS-1 levels, and decreased IκBα content, consistent with activation of IKKß. Importantly, all of these effects were abolished by resveratrol (P < 0.05 vs. IH). These results suggest that resveratrol prevents FFA-induced hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance and, therefore, may help mitigate the health consequences of obesity.

Inhibition of human lung cancer cell proliferation and survival by wine.

BACKGROUND: Compounds of plant origin and food components have attracted scientific attention for use as agents for cancer prevention and treatment. Wine contains polyphenols that were shown to have anti-cancer and other health benefits. The survival pathways of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), and the tumor suppressor p53 are key modulators of cancer cell growth and survival. In this study, we examined the effects of wine on proliferation and survival of human Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and its effects on signaling events. METHODS: Human NSCLC adenocarcinoma A549 and H1299 cells were used. Cell proliferation was assessed by thymidine incorporation. Clonogenic assays were used to assess cell survival. Immunoblotting was used to examine total and phosphorylated levels of Akt, Erk and p53. RESULTS: In A549 cells red wine inhibited cell proliferation and reduced clonogenic survival at doses as low as 0.02%. Red wine significantly reduced basal and EGF-stimulated Akt and Erk phosphorylation while it increased the levels of total and phosphorylated p53 (Ser15). Control experiments indicated that the anti-proliferative effects of wine were not mediated by the associated contents of ethanol or the polyphenol resveratrol and were independent of glucose transport into cancer cells. White wine also inhibited clonogenic survival, albeit at a higher doses (0.5-2%), and reduced Akt phosphorylation. The effects of both red and white wine on Akt phosphorylation were also verified in H1299 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Red wine inhibits proliferation of lung cancer cells and blocks clonogenic survival at low concentrations. This is associated with inhibition of basal and EGF-stimulated Akt and Erk signals and enhancement of total and phosphorylated levels of p53. White wine mediates similar effects albeit at higher concentrations. Our data suggest that wine may have considerable anti-tumour and chemoprevention properties in lung cancer and deserves further systematic investigation in animal models of lung cancer.