The Characterization of the Th1/Th2 Ratio in Moderate-Severe Alzheimer's Disease Patients and Its Response to an Aloe Polymannose-Based Dietary Supplement.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading killer of Americans, imparting a tremendous societal toll. Relationships between immune function and inflammation with cognition are well-established in AD, but the Th1/Th2 ratio of immune function is unknown. Describing the Th1/Th2 ratio and its relationship with cognition may shed light on the disease's clinical context. How the Th1/Th2 ratio responds to dietary supplementation is another unknown question in this population. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to: 1) characterize the Th1/Th2 ratio according to IL-2/IL-10, IFN-γ/IL-10, IL-2/IL-4, IFN-γ/IL-4, IL-2/TNF-α, and IFN-γ/TNF-α in subjects with moderate-to-severe AD and in comparison to healthy adults; 2) investigate the effect of an aloe polymannose multinutrient complex (APMC) dietary supplement on the Th1/Th2 ratios over 12 months; and 3) compare the changes in the Th1/Th2 ratios with the changes in cognition from baseline to 12 months. METHODS: Subjects consumed 2.5 g of the APMC four times per day for 12 months, and they were assessed on cognition and cytokines at baseline and 12 months. RESULTS: The Th1/Th2 ratios in AD patients were significantly higher than the healthy controls, and five of the six ratios decreased from baseline to 12 months follow-up (other than IL-2/TNF-α). Several significant relationships were noted between the changes in Th1/Th2 ratios with cognitive assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed an overall rebalancing of the Th1/Th2 ratio in response to APMC, these changes were related to improved cognition in subjects with moderate-to-severe AD, and the APMC supplement was safely tolerated.

The Effects of a Nutrition Education Program on Dietary Intake and Biomarkers in HIV+ Adults.

Background. People living with HIV (PLWH) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary behavior modification may assist in the treatment of CVD, but the optimal dose of nutrition education is unknown. The current aim was to determine if a weekly 1-hour nutrition education program would improve multiple outcomes among PLWH. Methods. Participants (n = 62) were assessed on dietary intake, serum biomarkers, and physical characteristics at baseline and 3 months, and percent change was calculated. Participants were grouped into 3 attendance categories of the classes: none, fair, or good. Analyses of covariance were performed on the outcomes. Results. Calories, protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugar, added sugar, and glycemic load were significantly different (all P values <.05). Those who attended no class typically had increases in these variables versus those with fair or good attendance. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; P = .006) and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (P = .083) were different, as those who attended no class or had fair attendance worsened, but those with good attendance improved. Conclusions. Several outcomes improved more so among those with good class attendance versus those with either fair or no attendance. Thus, an interactive nutrition education program may be an effective tool to help improve the health of PLWH.

Are Physical Fitness and CRP Related to Framingham Risk Score in HIV+ Adults?

Background. People living with HIV (PLWH) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) predicts a 10-year CVD risk. Its relationships to physical fitness and C-reactive protein (CRP) are not well established. The current aim is to determine the links between FRS, physical fitness, and CRP in PLWH. Methods. Participants (n = 87) were assessed on multiple biomarkers. The FRS was calculated with the respective variables. Other variables that correlated significantly with FRS were entered into a regression equation to determine their relationship to FRS. Results. The FRS for men was more than twice that for women (12.8 vs 6.0, P < .001). Men were more fit than women, but most participants were not fit. Aerobic capacity was predictive of FRS in men, but not in women, and muscular strength was not predictive of FRS. Women had more than double the CRP compared with men (7.9 vs 3.5 mg/L, P < .01), and it was unrelated to FRS. Conclusions. In men, aerobic capacity was significantly predictive of FRS, but muscular strength and CRP were unrelated to FRS in both genders. These results do not conclusively demonstrate that physical fitness and CRP are related to FRS in PLWH.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: The Novel Effects of a Hydrolyzed Polysaccharide Dietary Supplement on Immune, Hepatic, and Renal Function in Adults with HIV in a Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Control Trial.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC), on immune, hepatic, and renal function in HIV + individuals. A six-month randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was utilized to conduct the intervention. Forty-seven HIV + participants on stable antiretroviral therapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two study conditions (n = 22 RBAC and n = 25 placebo) and consumed 3 gram/day of either compound for six months. Participants were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months follow-up for CD4+ and CD8+, liver enzymes, and kidney function. No side effects were reported, and liver and kidney markers nearly remained completely within normal limits. The percentage change in CD4+ was similar for the placebo (+2.2%) and RBAC (+3.1%) groups at 6 months follow-up. The percentage change in CD8+ count significantly decreased from baseline to 6 months in the RBAC group (-5.2%), whereas it increased in the placebo group (+57.8%; p = 0.04). The CD4+/CD8+ ratio improved clinically in the RBAC group from 0.95 (SD =0.62) at baseline to 1.07 (SD =0.11) at 6 months, whereas it declined in the placebo group from 0.96 (SD =0.80) at baseline to 0.72 (SD =0.59) at 6 months. Our results showed a statistically significant decrease in CD8+ count and a clinically significant increase in CD4+/CD8+ ratio for the RBAC group compared to the placebo group. Thus, the results of this study suggest that the immunomodulatory and antisenescent activities of RBAC are promising for the HIV population.

Cardiovascular, endothelial function, and immune markers in response to treatment with a polysaccharide in HIV+ adults in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Given the ongoing problems of hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in the HIV population, the primary objective of the study was to assess the cardiovascular, endothelial function, and immune markers in response to rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) treatment in a sample of HIV+ adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART). STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 6 months was used to execute the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two study conditions (n=22 RBAC and n=25 placebo) for 6 months with assessments at baseline and 3 and 6 months. A multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance model was used to assess the differences between RBAC and placebo groups in cardiovascular (systolic blood pressure), endothelial function (skin blood flow in response to nitric oxide), and immune (CD4+ cell count) markers from baseline to 6 months. RESULTS: The effect of treatment (RBAC versus placebo) was significant (Wilks' λ=0.92, F[3, 102]=3.07, P=0.03). The effect of time was significant (Wilks' λ=0.10, F[2, 103]=474.6, P<0.001). The overall interaction between treatment and time was significant (Wilks' λ=0.92, F[2, 103]=4.58, P=0.01). Time contrasts showed that a difference in the overall dependent variable did not occur from baseline to 3 months (F[1, 104]=2.7, P=0.10), marginally occurred from baseline to 6 months (F[1, 104]=3.2, P=0.08), and was significant from 3 to 6 months (F[1, 104]=6.43, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The overall significant interaction suggests varying responses in the dependent variables between RBAC and placebo over time, which is being driven by systolic blood pressure, as it decreased in the RBAC group, but increased in the placebo group. In addition, CD4+ manifested a non-significant increase from baseline to 3 months then decreased from 3 to 6 months in the RBAC group, whereas it decreased at 3 months followed by a slight increase at 6 months in the placebo group. Skin blood flow in response to nitric oxide improved non-significantly overall in both groups, but worsened from 3 to 6 months in the placebo group. Thus, RBAC treatment may contribute to modest short-term improvements in systolic blood pressure, endothelial function, and CD4+ cell count, which could help improve the overall health profile of HIV+ adults. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Persons with HIV on ART suffer disproportionately from hypertension and endothelial dysfunction compared to the non-infected population, and conventional medical therapy does not alleviate these issues. RBAC is a safe, low-risk alternative that may help to improve the overall quality of life of these patients through modest improvements in these biomarkers plus CD4+ cell count.

Relationship between brain-derived neurotrophic factor and immune function during dietary supplement treatment of elderly with Alzheimer's dementia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationships among pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mature BDNF and immune functioning during aloe polymannose multinutrient complex (APMC) treatment in persons with moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia (AD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open-label trial of 12 months was used to execute the study. Thirty-four adults with AD were enrolled and consumed four teaspoons/day of APMC for 12 months. Subjects were assessed at baseline and 12 months follow-up for proBDNF and BDNF and cytokines, growth factors, T-cell and B-cell subsets, and complete blood count to measure immune functioning. All biomarkers were intercorrelated. RESULTS: Several relationships were identified between proBDNF, BDNF, and BDNF/proBDNF ratio and immune function at 12 months, particularly BDNF with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (r=0.55, P=0.03), epidermal growth factor (EGF) (r=0.74, P=0.001), and CD95+CD3+ (%) (r=-0.64, P=0.03) and proBDNF with VEGF (r=0.64, P=0.02), EGF (r=0.86, P<0.001), and CD16+56+ (%) (r=-0.78, P<0.01). Other correlations were noted for various immune function variables with BDNF, proBDNF, and/or BDNF/proBDNF ratio at baseline and 12 months. Dichotomizing subjects on BDNF above and below 5000 pg/mL revealed additional relationships with platelets and neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: The associations between BDNF and proBDNF and various immune markers, such as VEGF, EGF, and CD95+CD3+ ratio, provide insight into the link between neurological function and the immune system. These relationships were even stronger in response to APMC treatment, which lends support to previous findings showing improved immune function after dietary supplementation. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: AD patients have conventional treatment options with limited efficacy for counteracting the deleterious effects of the disease on neurological function. The link between neurological and immune function has been understudied in this population. Overall, our results showed a significant beneficial relationship between immune and neurological function, particularly in response to 12 months of treatment with an all-natural polysaccharide-based dietary supplement that is a known immunomodulator. Thus, the use of this dietary supplement may benefit these patients by simultaneously improving immune and neurological function.

Corrigendum to "The Effect of a Hydrolyzed Polysaccharide Dietary Supplement on Biomarkers in Adults with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/1751583.].

The Novel Effects of a Hydrolyzed Polysaccharide Dietary Supplement on Immune, Hepatic, and Renal Function in Adults with HIV in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Control Trial.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC), on immune, hepatic, and renal function in HIV + individuals. A 6-month randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was utilized to conduct the intervention. Forty-seven HIV + individuals on stable antiretroviral therapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the 2 study conditions (n = 22 RBAC and n = 25 placebo) and consumed 3 gram/day of either compound for 6 months. Participants were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months follow-up for CD4+ and CD8+, liver enzymes, and kidney function. No side effects were reported, and liver and kidney markers remained nearly completely within normal limits. The percentage change in CD4+ was similar for the placebo (+2.2%) and RBAC (+3.1%) groups at 6 months follow-up. The percentage change in CD8+ count significantly decreased from baseline to 6 months in the RBAC group (-5.2%), whereas it increased in the placebo group (+57.8%; p = 0.04). The CD4+/CD8+ ratio improved clinically in the RBAC group from 0.95 (SD = 0.62) at baseline to 1.07 (SD = 0.11) at 6 months, whereas it declined in the placebo group from 0.96 (SD = 0.80) at baseline to 0.72 (SD = 0.59) at 6 months. Our results showed a statistically significant decrease in CD8+ count and a clinically significant increase in CD4+/CD8+ ratio for the RBAC group compared to the placebo group. Thus, the results of this study suggest that the immunomodulatory and antisenescent activities of RBAC are promising for the HIV population.

The Effect of Broad-Spectrum Dietary Supplementation on Quality of Life, Symptom Severity, and Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that exerts a significant quality-of-life toll on patients. According to the literature, broad-spectrum dietary supplementation including a variety of nutrients, polysaccharides, and compounds may improve the quality of life, functionality, and symptom severity in people with MS. Individuals (n = 15) diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) for an average of 12.4 years (SD = 7.4; R = 2, 25) were enrolled in a one-year open-label clinical trial in which they consumed a broad-spectrum dietary supplement regimen three times daily. Participants were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months with the following: (1) Functional Assessment of MS (FAMS), (2) the EQ-5D-3L, (3) Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI), (4) Health Conditions Discomfort Scale (HCDS), and (5) Self-Assessment of Severity of MS Symptoms Scale (SASMSSS). Participants included seven females and eight males (M age = 51.3 years; SD = 7.2; R = 38, 65). Few minor gastrointestinal effects were reported. At the end of the intervention, participants showed significant improvements in all outcome measures, particularly functionality on the FAMS, overall quality of life on the EQ-5D-3L, fewer depressive symptoms on the BDI, and improved severity of symptoms on the HCDS and the SASMSSS. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation containing a variety of nutrients can improve the quality of life, severity of disease symptoms, and functionality in MS patients. These findings are clinically promising for MS patients, given the lack of treatment options geared toward improving quality of life in this population.

The Effect of a Polysaccharide-Based Multinutrient Dietary Supplementation Regimen on Infections and Immune Functioning in Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with increased infection rates, chronic inflammation, and premature death. Optimization of nutritional status via dietary supplementation may improve immune function in people suffering from MS and lead to decreased rates of infection. Fifteen individuals with a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS for an average of 12.4 years (SD =7.4; R = 2, 25) were enrolled in a one-year open-label clinical trial. Participants consumed a broad-spectrum dietary supplement regimen containing polysaccharides, phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals three times per day. The occurrence of infections and a panel of cytokines, growth factors, and T- and B-cell subsets were assessed at baseline and 12 months. Seven female and 8 male participants with an average age of 51.3 years (SD =7.2; R = 38, 65) completed the study. At the end of the intervention, participants had fewer total infections (M = 7.9, SD =8.1 at baseline and M = 2.5, SD =4.3 at 12-month follow-up). At 12 months, IL-2, TNF-α, EGF, and CD95 + CD34+ significantly increased, while IL-1ß significantly decreased. No major adverse effects were reported; only mild gastrointestinal intolerance was reported in four cases. A decreased occurrence of infection was observed in MS patients treated with 12 months of a polysaccharide-based multinutrient dietary supplement. Significant changes were also noted in several key biomarkers that would be physiologically favorable to the MS population. Thus, the results of this study suggest an immunomodulatory effect of the dietary supplement regimen studied.

The Effect of a Hydrolyzed Polysaccharide Dietary Supplement on Biomarkers in Adults with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound (RBAC), on biomarkers in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A 90-day randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial examined the effect of RBAC on complete blood count, liver enzymes, lipids, oxidative stress markers, cytokines, and growth factors. Twenty-three adults with NAFLD were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two study conditions (n = 12 RBAC and n = 11 placebo) and consumed 1 gram/day of either compound for 90 days. Subjects were assessed at baseline and 45 and 90 days. No adverse effects were reported. Alkaline phosphatase significantly decreased (-3.1%; SD = 19.9; F[1,19] = 5.1, p = 0.03) in the RBAC group compared to placebo. Percent monocytes (17.9%; SD = 18.3; F[1,19] = 5.9, p = 0.02) and percent eosinophils (30.6%; SD = 30.5; F[1,19] = 12.3, p < 0.01) increased in the RBAC group. IFN-γ (156%; SD = 131.8; F[1,19] = 4.2, p = 0.06) and IL-18 (29.1%; SD = 64; F[1,19] = 5.3, p = 0.03) increased in the RBAC group compared to placebo. Other improvements were noted for platelets, neutrophils, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, γ-glutamyl transferase, and 4-hydroxynonenal. RBAC had beneficial effects on several biomarkers that add to the known immunomodulatory activities of RBAC, which may be promising for people with NAFLD.

Intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate is not associated with cardiovascular, liver, kidney, and metabolic toxicity in adults.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium (Mg) deficiency contributes to the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. The therapeutic use of Mg has steadily increased over time. The increased in-hospital use of intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) warrants more extensive investigation regarding the safety of the therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the safety of IV MgSO4 infusion on cardiovascular, liver, kidney, and metabolic markers in adults. METHODS: Twelve volunteers were randomized to one of two cross-over conditions: (a) IV infusion of MgSO4 in 5% dextrose followed by IV infusion of 5% dextrose 1 week later or (b) IV infusion of 5% dextrose followed by IV infusion of MgSO4 in 5% dextrose 1 week later. An electrocardiogram was recorded continuously during the infusions. Blood was drawn pre- and post-infusion for blood count (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides). Results: Serum Mg increased from pre- to post-infusion in the MgSO4 + 5% dextrose group (p < 0.0001). The QRS interval length increased from pre- to post-infusion in the MgSO4 + 5% dextrose group (p < 0.04). Additionally, serum glucose concentration increased in the MgSO4 + 5% dextrose group (p = 0.04). These significant findings were modeled with gender and age as covariates. No other significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of IV infusion of MgSO4 (4 g/100 mL) in 5% dextrose over a 4-hour treatment period poses no significant deleterious effects on cardiovascular, liver, kidney, or metabolic function. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: IV infusion of MgSO4 may be used for certain treatment indications without significant concern for systemic or organ toxicity.

Anti-cancer effects of aloe-emodin: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Anthraquinones are a possible treatment option for oncological patients due to their anti-cancer properties. Cancer patients often exhaust a plethora of resources that ultimately fail to provide fully curative measures. Alternative treatments are subsequently sought in the hope of finding a therapeutic remedy. Po¬tential regimens include aloe-emodin and its related derivatives. This review therefore summarizes the effects of aloe-emodin and other aloe components in light of their anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in PubMed for aloe-emodin and cancer in humans. Sixty abstracts of in vitrostudies were selected and reviewed with subsequent screening of the full text. Thirty-eight articles were summarized. RESULTS: Aloe-emodin possesses multiple anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties in a host of human cancer cell lines, with often multiple vital pathways affected by the same molecule. The most notable effects include inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; cycle arrest; induction of cell death; mitochondrial membrane and redox perturbations; and modulation of immune signaling. The effects of aloe-emodin are not ubiquitous across all cell lines but depend on cell type. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this systematic review, the multiple consistent effects of aloe-emodin in hu¬man-derived cancer cell lines suggest that aloe-emodin is a potential anti-cancer agent that acts on cancer cells in a pleiotropic manner. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Cancer patients often utilize alternative therapies as a result of suboptimal efficacy of conventional treatments. Aloe-emodin might become a therapeutic option for cancer patients if the basic research is confirmed in clinical trials.

The effect of dietary supplementation on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive functioning in Alzheimer's dementia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of an aloe polymannose multinutrient complex (APMC) on pro brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mature BDNF in persons with moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia. METHODS: A 12-month open-label trial was utilized to evaluate the effect of the APMC on proBDNF and BDNF and their relationship to cognitive functioning. Thirty-four adults were enrolled and consumed 4 teaspoons/day of APMC for 12 months. Subjects were assessed at baseline and twelve months follow-up for proBDNF and BDNF and with a neuropsychological battery to measure cognitive functioning. Cognitive functioning was correlated with proBDNF and BDNF. RESULTS: Few adverse effects were reported. While proBDNF (baseline M = 6,108.9, SD = 854.9 and 12 months M = 5,799.2, SD = 573.4; p = 0.57) and BDNF (baseline M = 5,673.8, SD = 3,342.3 and 12 months M = 6,312.9, SD = 2,830.9; p = 0.29) did not significantly change, the correlations between the ADAS-cog total score and BDNF (r = -0.53, p = 0.04) and BDNF/proBDNF ratio (r = -0.58, p = 0.05) became statistically significant after 12 months of dietary supplementation. Other correlations were noted for various cognitive functioning assessments and BDNF and/or BDNF/proBDNF ratio at both baseline and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the relationship between cognitive functioning and BDNF and BDNF/proBDNF ratio improved in response to consumption of a dietary supplement in persons with Alzheimer's dementia, which is consistent with our previous findings on cognitive functioning. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Overall, our results showed modest improvements in clinical outcomes for a disease that otherwise has no standard conventional approach to treatment with proven efficacy.

A double-blind, randomized trial on the effect of a broad-spectrum dietary supplement on key biomarkers of cellular aging including inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in healthy adults.

Background and Aim: Nutritional approaches that ameliorate cellular senescence may have the potential to counteract the effects of chronic disease. This study will investigate the effect of the Healthycell dietary supplement on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Methods: Thirty adults between the ages of 18 and 55 were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two study conditions (n = 15 Healthycell and n = 15 placebo). Subjects participated in a four-week intervention and were assessed at baseline, four weeks, and six weeks (after a two-week washout period). Results: Pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1α (t = 2.033; mean difference = -3.97 pg/ml; SE = 2.0; 95% CI: -8.0, -0.3; Cohen's d = 0.77; p = 0.05) decreased, while soluble cytokine receptors sTNFR-I (t = 2.057; mean difference = 52.39 pg/mL; SE = 18.5; 95% CI: 5.2, 99.6; Cohen's d = 0.53; p = 0.03) and sTNFR-II (t = 1.739; mean difference = 208.71 pg/ml; SE = 72.0; 95% CI: 24.4, 393.0; Cohen's d = 0.61; p = 0.02) increased in the treatment group versus control. C-reactive protein also rose in the Healthycell group during the trial (t = 2.568; mean difference = 1.41 mg/dL; SE = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3, 2.5; Cohen's d = 0.66; p < 0.01), without accompanying increases in IL-6 and TNF-α. Additionally, cortisol levels decreased in the Healthycell group (t = 0.575; mean difference = -0.31 ug/dL; SE=0.1; 95% CI: -0.6, -0.03; Cohen's d = 0.88; p = 0.03). When groups were split by age (< 35 years vs. ≥ 35 years), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a marker of DNA damage, decreased in the older Healthycell group compared to placebo (t = 1.782; mean difference = -7.09 ng/mL; SE = 3.0; 95% CI: -13.3, -0.9; Cohen's d = 0.63; p = 0.03). Significant changes were also found for sTNFR-I, sTNFR-II, and IL-5 in the older group. All results were obtained from t tests by post-hoc analysis. Conclusions: Our findings show an improved inflammatory profile and decreased DNA damage. Additionally, the efficacy of Healthycell was primarily in older adults, where the processes that cause or are associated with cell senescence are more predominant. Relevance for patients: Healthycell may help to counteract the inflammatory effects of aging that lead to both cell senescence and the multitude of age-related chronic diseases.

Double-blind, randomized crossover study of intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate versus 5% dextrose on depressive symptoms in adults with treatment-resistant depression.

AIM: Treatment-resistant depression patients are more likely to suffer from comorbid physical and mental disorders, experience marked and protracted functional impairment, and incur higher health-care costs than non-affected individuals. Magnesium sulfate is a treatment option that may offer great potential for patients with treatment-resistant depression based on prior work in animals and humans. METHODS: Twelve subjects with mild or moderate treatment-resistant depression were randomized into a double-blind crossover trial to receive an infusion of 4 g of magnesium sulfate in 5% dextrose or placebo infusion of 5% dextrose with a 5-day washout in between the 8-day intervention period. Subjects were assessed before and after the intervention for serum and urine magnesium, lipid panel, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. RESULTS: We found a difference in serum magnesium from day 2 to 8 (pre-infusion) (P < 0.002) and from baseline to day 8 (P < 0.02). No changes were noted on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression or the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 24 h post-treatment, but as serum magnesium increased from baseline to day 7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 decreased from baseline to day 7 (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Magnesium sulfate did not significantly affect depression 24 h post-infusion, but other results were consistent with the literature. The association between changes in serum magnesium and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 supports the idea that magnesium sulfate may be used to address treatment-resistant depression, an ongoing medical challenge.

A cross-sectional assessment of metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected people of low socio-economic status receiving antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of symptoms used as a measure to identify patients at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. The results of prolonged life expectancy and cumulative toxic effects of antiretroviral therapy increase the chance that HIV can cause clinical abnormalities, including MetS. METHODS: We evaluated 89 people living with HIV (PLWH; mean age 48 ± 7 years; mean duration of HIV infection 17 ± 12 years; 47% men; 66% African-American, 22% Hispanic, and 10% non-Hispanic white; and 84% unemployed) enrolled in a community-based exercise training and nutrition education program targeting individuals of low socio-economic status (SES). The prevalence of MetS characteristics and the factors associated with the presence of MetS were analyzed. RESULTS: One in three (33%; 12 men and 17 women) PLWH met ATPIII criteria for MetS. In our cohort, MetS was driven by high waist circumference and elevated blood pressure. In addition, higher use of protease inhibitors, elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), greater self-reported daily caloric intake and consumption of carbohydrates, sugar, added sugar, and higher glycemic load were found among the individuals with MetS, compared to those without it. Elevated HbA1c and high total sugar consumption were the strongest predictors and accounted for 30% of the occurrence of MetS. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of MetS in our PLWH cohort receiving antiretroviral therapy is higher than previously reported in the general population and in other PLWH cohorts. Additional work is needed to determine whether MetS is a more disease dependent or lifestyle dependent condition in PLWH.

A cross-sectional assessment to detect type 2 diabetes with endothelial and autonomic nervous system markers using a novel system.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is frequently unrecognized until complications appear. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is one of the early complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of ANS function indicators to screen for type 2 diabetes mellitus, as measured by the TM-Oxi and SudoPath system. METHODS: All enrolled participants completed a basic sociodemographic and medical history questionnaire including current medications. Healthy controls (n = 25) underwent a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to evaluate glucose, insulin, and insulin C-peptide. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 24) were assessed with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycosylated hemoglobin. The TM-Oxi and SudoPath system evaluation was completed by all subjects. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Frequency and descriptive statistics were calculated on all variables. The criterion for statistical significance was α = 0.05. RESULTS: The twenty-five healthy controls had a mean age of 37.0 years. The twenty-four type 2 diabetes mellitus patients currently undergoing standard treatment had a mean age of 48.9 years. Based on the American Diabetes Association guidelines, we detected pre-diabetes in 4 subjects and diabetes in 1 subject, while all other subjects had normal FPG values. At 120 minutes, the correlations between the OGTT and cardiometabolic risk score (CMRS) were: r = 0.56 (p = 0.004) for glucose and r = 0.53 (p = 0.006) for insulin. At 120 minutes, the correlations between the OGTT and photoplethysmography index (PTGi) were: r = -0.56 (p = 0.003) for glucose and r = -0.41 (p = 0.04) for insulin. The CMRS, PTGi, and plethysmography total power index (PTGVLFi) differed significantly between the diabetes patients and healthy participants. The specificity and sensitivity for the CMRS, PTGi, and PTVLFi comparing the diabetes patients with healthy controls were high. CONCLUSION: The TM-Oxi and SudoPath system shows promise as a valid, convenient, and non-invasive screening method for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The ANS function and CMR indicators measured by this system may be useful in guiding diabetes and cardiovascular health screening, treatment, and monitoring.

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial of dietary supplementation on cognitive and immune functioning in healthy older adults.

BACKGROUND: Declining cognitive function is relatively common and increasingly prevalent. Studies have shown that different nutrients (e.g., Ginkgo biloba and vitamin E) appear to be effective at improving memory and concentration, while less is known about their effect on immunity. METHODS: This study investigated the effect of Ginkgo Synergy(®) plus Choline (n = 33) and OPC Synergy(®) plus Catalyn(®) (n = 31) versus placebo (n = 33) in a 6-month, randomized, double-blind trial on cognitive and immune functioning among English-speaking, non-smoking, healthy older adults. The Stroop Color and Word Test, Trail Making Test A and B, Controlled Oral Word Association, Hopkins Verbal Learning, Mini-Mental State Exam, and Digit Symbol were administered at baseline and 3 and 6 months follow-up to assess cognitive functioning. Cytokines and growth factors were measured at baseline and 6 months to assess inflammation and immune functioning. Data were analyzed with linear mixed modeling. RESULTS: No serious adverse events were noted in this study. According to time on the Trail Making Test-B, the Ginkgo Synergy(®) plus Choline arm showed improvement from baseline to 3 months follow-up (mean difference = 24.2; SE = 6.4; 95% CI: 8.6, 39.7; p = 0.01). On the Controlled Oral Word Association Trial-S, the scores significantly increased for the Ginkgo Synergy(®) plus Choline arm from baseline to 6 months follow-up (mean difference = 2.1; SE = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.2, 3.9; p < 0.05) and for the OPC Synergy(®) plus Catalyn(®) arm from baseline to 3 months follow-up (mean difference = 2.1; SE = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.2, 4.0; p < 0.05). Epidermal growth factor significantly decreased from baseline to 6 months follow-up for the Ginkgo Synergy(®) plus Choline arm (mean difference = 120.7; SE = 28.4; 95% CI: 62.6, 178.8; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed isolated and modest effects of a Ginkgo biloba plus choline-based formula on cognitive and immune functioning among healthy older adults with no history of significant cognitive deficits. Our trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT01672359). This study was supported by a grant from Standard Process, Inc.

The effect of methylated vitamin B complex on depressive and anxiety symptoms and quality of life in adults with depression.

Depression, the most common type of mental illness, is the second leading cause of disability and is increasing among Americans. The effect of improved nutrition, particularly with dietary supplements, on depression may provide an alternative to standard medical treatment. Some studies have shown that certain nutrients (e.g., inositol and S-adenosyl methionine) are effective at improving depressed mood, although the results are not unequivocal. The current study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a vitamin B complex nutritional supplement (Max Stress B) for improving depressive and anxiety symptoms according to the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI) in 60 adults diagnosed with major depression or other forms of depressive disorders. Secondary outcomes included quality of life according to the SF-36. Participants were assessed at baseline and 30- and 60-day followups. Max Stress B showed significant and more continuous improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, compared to placebo. Additionally, Max Stress B showed significant improvement on the mental health scale of the SF-36 compared to placebo. Thus, we showed modest utility of Max Stress B to improve mood symptoms and mental health quality of life in adults with depression.