Location: Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging
2019 Annual Report
Objectives
LAB NAME: Antioxidants Research
Objective 1. Determine the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and mechanisms of phytochemicals (e.g., carotenoids, phenolic acids, polyphenols) from fruit, nuts, and whole grains using in vitro, animal model, and human studies.
Objective 2. Determine the effect of phytochemicals (e.g., alkylresorcinols, flavonoids) from fruit, nuts, and whole grains on intermediary biomarkers of age-related conditions (e.g., cytokines, isoprostanes), metabolomics parameters (e.g., fatty acids, organic acids), physiological profiles (e.g., endothelial responses, glucose homeostasis), and functional outcomes relevant to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Objective 3. Determine the effect of phytochemicals (e.g., anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins) from fruit, nuts, and whole grains on intermediary biomarkers of age-related conditions (e.g., oxidatively modified DNA) and physiological profiles (e.g., innate immunity) relevant to cancer, particularly colorectal and liver cancers.
Approach
LAB NAME: Antioxidants Research
Using in vitro, animal model, and human studies, we will characterize the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and mechanisms of phytochemicals (e.g., carotenoids, phenolic acids, polyphenols) from fruit, nuts, and whole grains, particularly as relevant to the aging process and older adults. Building upon this information, we will determine the effect of phytochemicals (e.g., alkylresorcinols, flavonoids) from fruit, nuts, and whole grains on intermediary biomarkers of age-related conditions (e.g., cytokines, isoprostanes), metabolomic parameters (e.g., fatty acids, organic acids), physiological profiles (e.g., endothelial responses, glucose homeostasis), and functional outcomes relevant to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In addition, we will investigate the effect of phytochemicals (e.g., anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins) from fruit, nuts, and whole grains on intermediary biomarkers of age-related conditions (e.g., oxidatively modified DNA) and physiological profiles (e.g., innate immunity) relevant to cancer, particularly colorectal and liver cancers.
Progress Report
This is the final report for the project 8050-51000-095-00D. Researchers in the Antioxidants Research Laboratory studied non-human primates and found preferential uptake of the dietary carotenoid lutein into brain cellular membranes, levels of which were significantly related to less inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Research in brain tissue of older adults found variable but statistically significant relationships among a variety of carotenoids, tocopherols, and long chain fatty acids with pre-mortem measures of cognition. Researchers in the lab also conducted clinical trials to determine the effect of consumption of selected foods, i.e., almonds, avocados, and eggs, rich in phytonutrients on cognitive function in older adults. Researchers in the lab have also conducted a series of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate the relationships between intake of phytonutrient-rich foods, i.e., almonds, apples, and avocados, with risk factors for age-related diseases. These studies found beneficial effects from the consumption of these foods on biomarkers of disease risk, including body weight, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In summary, the work of researchers in Antioxidants Research Laboratory employed a variety of research approaches to investigate the role of plant foods in healthy and active aging.
Researchers in the Antioxidants Research Laboratory previously found that lutein uptake into the brain may depend on age. When scientists measured lutein and the binding protein in the brain, they found that there was a strong relationship in infant brains, a significant but weaker relationship in older adults, and an insignificant relationship in centenarians. These findings suggest that a decrease in or abnormal function of lutein's binding protein in the human brain occurs with aging.
Accomplishments
