老年轻度认知障碍患者生活高危因素探讨

目的：探讨生活高危因素对老年轻度认知障碍的影响。方法：应用简明精神状态量表（MMSE）、蒙特利尔认知测验量表（MoCA）、临床痴呆评定量表（CDR）和生活高危因素量表对219例老年人进行调查,分析生活高危因素对老年轻度认知障碍的影响。结果：女性患MCI风险高于男性（P=0．03）;文盲组患MCI风险高于小学组,小学组高于初中及以上组（P=0．00）;农民组患MCI风险高于工人组,工人组高于管理人员组（P=O．01）;农村居民患MCI风险高于城市居民（P=O．01）;运动影响MCI发病,不运动组患McI风险高于运动组（P=0．00）,运动频率〈4次／周高于运动频率≥4次／周（P=0．00）,运动年数≤10年组高于运动〉10年组（P=O．01）;业余爱好影响MCI发病,无业余爱好组患MCI风险高于有业余爱好组（P=O．00）,业余爱好史≤10年组高于业余爱好史〉10组（P=O.00）。不同年龄的老年人其MCI发病风险无统计学差异（P〉O．05）;吸烟、饮酒、喝茶等不同年数及频率的老年人其MCI发病风险无统计学差异（P〉0．05）;是否午休及不同午休频率和不同每晚睡眠时间的老年人其MCI发病风险无统计学差异俨（〉O．05）。结论：性别、教育程度、职业、居住地、运动时间及频率、业余爱好时问等因素与老年MCI发病有关。     

晨尿AD7c-NTP水平与轻度认知障碍之间的关系

目的:探讨老年男性晨尿阿尔茨海默病相关神经丝蛋白(AD7c-NTP)水平与轻度认知障碍(MCI)发病之间关系。方法:收集341例住院老年男性患者中段晨尿,采用双抗体夹心法测定尿液AD7c-NTP浓度。同时,对患者进行痴呆系列测试、行头颅CT和(或)MRI检查。根据测试结果剔除20例早老性痴呆患者,剩余321例患者根据测试及检查结果分为对照和MCI组,两组病例数分别为270例和51例,分析尿液AD7c-NTP浓度与年龄和MCI发病之间关系。结果:老年男性晨尿AD7c-NTP浓度呈偏态分布,测定结果中位数为0.475μg/L(0.001μg/L-8.85μg/L);对照组年龄76.0±9.0岁,AD7c-NTP测定结果中位数为0.467μg/L(0.001μg/L-8.85μg/L);MCI组51例年龄85.7±8.2岁,AD7c-NTP测定结果中位数为0.862μg/L(0.10μg/L-8.20μg/L);两组年龄之间存在显著差异(P=0.000);晨尿AD7c-NTP浓度与年龄的Spearman相关系数为0.267(P=0.00)。未考虑年龄影响时,两组ln(AD7c-NTP)之间差异有显著(P=0.041);考虑年龄影响后,两组ln(AD7c-NTP)之间差异显著性消失(P=0.604)。结论:晨尿AD7c-NTP浓度与年龄相关,AD7c-NTP与MCI发病之间关系需进一步研究。     

MCI及AD患者血清Abeta42、ApoJ、NO、IL-6 的水平研究

目的：测定并分析轻度认知障碍(MCI)阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer''s disease，AD)患者血清A-beta-42、ApoJ、NO、IL-6 的变化。方法： 收集MCI、AD患者与正常老年体检者的血清，用ELISA 法测定其血清A-beta-42、ApoJ、NO、IL-6 水平。结果：(1)A-beta-42 水平：MCI患 者血清A-beta-42水平高于正常老年患者，差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)；AD 患者血清A-beta-42 水平与正常老年患者及MCI患者相比均 呈下降趋势，但差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。(2)ApoJ 水平：与正常老年患者相比，MCI、AD 患者血清中ApoJ 水平显著升高，且 AD 组高于MCI组，差异均具有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。(3)NO水平：MCI及AD 患者血清NO水平较正常老年患者增高，差异具有 统计学意义(P＜0.05)，但MCI患者与AD患者之间的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。(4)IL-6 水平：MCI、AD 患者血清IL-6 水平明 显高于正常老年患者，差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05)，且AD患者高于MCI 患者，其差异亦具有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。(5)AD组 患者血清IL-6 水平和MMSE 得分之间呈负相关（r=-0.37，P＜0.05）。结论：血清A-beta-42、ApoJ 水平可能用于诊断MCI，而血清 ApoJ、NO、IL-6 水平可能有助于预测AD 患者病情的变化及其预后。     

MCI及AD患者血清Aβ42、ApoJ、NO、IL-6的水平研究

目的:测定并分析轻度认知障碍(MCI)阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)患者血清Aβ42、ApoJ、NO、IL-6的变化。方法:收集MCI、AD患者与正常老年体检者的血清,用ELISA法测定其血清Aβ42、ApoJ、NO、IL-6水平。结果:(1)Aβ42水平:MCI患者血清Aβ42水平高于正常老年患者,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);AD患者血清Aβ42水平与正常老年患者及MCI患者相比均呈下降趋势,但差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)ApoJ水平:与正常老年患者相比,MCI、AD患者血清中ApoJ水平显著升高,且AD组高于MCI组,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。(3)NO水平:MCI及AD患者血清NO水平较正常老年患者增高,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),但MCI患者与AD患者之间的差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。(4)IL-6水平:MCI、AD患者血清IL-6水平明显高于正常老年患者,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),且AD患者高于MCI患者,其差异亦具有统计学意义(P0.05)。(5)AD组患者血清IL-6水平和MMSE得分之间呈负相关(r=-0.37,P0.05)。结论:血清Aβ42、ApoJ水平可能用于诊断MCI,而血清ApoJ、NO、IL-6水平可能有助于预测AD患者病情的变化及其预后。     

血清BDNF、IGF-1及Hcy与癫痫患者认知功能损害关系研究

为探讨血清脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)、胰岛素样生长因子-1 (IGF-1)及同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)与癫痫患者认知功能损害(MCI)的关系,本研究选取2015年1月至2016年10月由本院收治并确诊的癫痫患者116例,根据患者是否发生轻度认知障碍(MCI),将患者分为MCI组50例、非MCI组66例,选取健康体检对象60例作为对照组,检测各组血清BDNF、IGF-1、Hcy水平,并采用韦氏成人智力量表中国修订本(WAIS-RC)对三组患者进行测量,并分析血清BDNF、IGF-1、Hcy与WAIS-RC量表评分的关系。结果显示,与非MCI组和对照组比较,MCI组患者的血清Hcy水平明显升高(p0.05),MCI组患者的血清BDNF、IGF-1水平明显降低(p0.05);非MCI组患者的血清Hcy水平明显高于对照组(p0.05),非MCI组患者的血清BDNF、IGF-1水平明显低于对照组(p0.05);MCI组患者的VIQ、PIQ、FIQ量表评分明显低于非MCI组和对照组(p0.05);非MCI组患者的VIQ、PIQ、FIQ量表评分与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(p0.05);MCI组患者的VIQ、PIQ、FIQ量表评分与血清BDNF、IGF-1水平呈显著的正相关关系(p0.05);MCI组患者的VIQ、PIQ、FIQ量表评分与血清Hcy水平呈显著的负相关关系(p0.05)。本研究发现癫痫患者MCI血清BDNF、IGF-1水平显著降低、Hcy显著升高,说明血清BDNF、IGF-1和Hcy水平与患者MCI程度有一定的相关性。     

长期住院老年精神疾病患者营养状况与认知功能的相关性研究

目的:了解长期住院老年精神疾病患者营养状况及与认知功能的相关性,为临床提供指导。方法:对住院3个月及以上的123例老年精神疾病患者采用简易精神状态检查量表(MMSE)评估认知功能,采用简易微型营养评定精简版(MNA-SF)评估营养状况,并采集一般资料、相关营养生化指标,应用Pearson相关分析MNA-SF评分与MMSE评分的相关性。结果:123例患者中,营养不良风险者67例(54.47%),营养不良者37例(30.08%),营养正常者19例(15.44%)。有认知障碍患者的营养不良发生率显著高于无认知障碍患者营养不良发生率(P<0.05),重度认知障碍者营养不良发生率显著高于轻、中度认知障碍者(P<0.05)。与无认知障碍者比较,中度、重度认知障碍者MNA-SF评分显著降低(P<0.05);与轻度、中度认知障碍者比较,重度认知障碍者MNA-SF评分显著降低(P<0.05)。营养不良者MMSE 6个认知领域评分和认知总评分均显著低于营养不良风险/正常者(P<0.05),Pearson相关分析显示:长期住院老年精神疾病患者MNA-SF评分与MMSE评分呈正相关(r=0.486, P=0.023<0.05)。结论:长期住院老年精神疾病患者营养不良发生率高,且与认知功能密切相关。临床部门需加强老年精神疾病患者,特别是有认知损害老人的营养关切。     

膳食因素对社区老年人认知功能损伤影响的病例对照研究

目的：探讨膳食因素对社区老年人轻度认知功能障碍（Mild Cognitive Impairment,MCI）发生的影响,筛选与认知改善密切关联的膳食种类,为老年性痴呆的一级预防提供科学依据。方法：采用病例对照研究,按照严格的入选标准从社区的65岁以上的老年人群中筛选形成MCI组和正常对照组。采用调查问卷获取两组对象的基本信息和膳食情况。对全部对象进行MMSE、ADL、GDS量表测试,采用Logistic回归模型探讨不同膳食因素与MCI发生的关联。结果：本研究纳入MCI患者169名、正常对照组131名,结果显示,排除一般人口学信息干扰,膳食因素中食用菠菜（β= 1426,OR=0240,P=0006）和猪肝（β= 1105,OR=0331,P=001）与MCI发生具有显著统计学意义关联。结论：较多进食菠菜和猪肝可延缓老年认知功能减退,可能与这两种食物中富含叶酸有关。     

血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与轻度认知功能障碍的相关性分析

目的:探讨轻度认知功能障碍(MCI)与血浆同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平的关系。方法:测定96例MCI及85例健康体检者得血浆Hcy、叶酸及维生素B12水平;MCI患者中选择高Hcy血症者62例,按照是否接受叶酸、维生素B12治疗随机分为治疗组和非治疗组,观察治疗前后Hcy水平及MMSE评分变化。结果:MCI组血浆Hcy水平显著高于对照组(P<0.05),叶酸、维生素B12及MMSE评分低于对照组(P<0.05);MCI组中Hcy水平与叶酸、维生素B12及MMSE评分均呈负相关(P<0.05);治疗后治疗组Hcy水平较治疗前显著下降(P<0.05);治疗组Hcy低于非治疗组(P<0.05);治疗组MMSE评分较治疗前升高,但无显著性差异(P>0.05),治疗组MMSE评分与非治疗组相比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:血浆Hcy升高是MCI的重要因素,补充叶酸、维生素B12可降低血浆Hcy水平。     

超早期康复治疗对高危儿神经心理发育影响的临床研究

目的:探讨超早期康复治疗对高危儿神经心理发育的影响,为推广超早期康复治疗在高危儿神经心理发育中的应用提供理论基础。方法:选取2013年3月~2014年3月在我院治疗的171例0~3月高危儿为研究对象,按家长意愿分为对照组81例和观察组90例,对照组给予神经生长因子等药物治疗,观察组患儿则在此基础上接受超早期儿童康复治疗技术治疗,治疗6个月后,采用全身运动量表(GMs)、Gesell量表(GDS)评估患儿的神经心理发育情况,并对比两组治疗效果。结果:治疗6个月后,两组扭动运动阶段、不安运动阶段的异常例数均较治疗前明显减少(P0.05),且观察组患儿的不安运动阶段异常数明显较对照组减少(P0.05);对照组的粗大运动、语言和个人-社交DQ值和观察组适应性、粗大运动、语言和个人-社交DQ值均高于治疗前(P0.05),且观察组患儿的适应性、粗大运动得分均高于对照组(P0.05);观察组患儿的总有效明显高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:超早期康复治疗可促进高危儿的神经心理发育,对患儿及早进行康复干预可以取得较好的治疗效果,值得在临床上推广。     

老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重合并肺部感染的病原菌分布及高危因素分析

目的探讨老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)急性加重合并肺部感染的病原菌分布及高危因素。方法老年COPD急性加重患者260例按照其肺部感染发生情况分为感染组与非感染组,记录所有患者的临床资料,并对感染组患者进行病原菌分布及高危因素分析。结果 260例老年COPD急性加重患者中共发现30例肺部感染,感染率为11.5%,在感染组30例患者中,共检出病原菌45株,其中革兰阴性菌25株,革兰阳性菌18株,念珠菌2株,排名前4位的病原菌为铜绿假单胞菌、肺炎克雷伯菌、粪肠球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌等。铜绿假单胞菌、肺炎克雷伯菌对红霉素、庆大霉素有比较高的耐药率,而粪肠球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌对左氧氟沙星、美罗培南都比较高的耐药率。单因素回归分析发现感染组与非感染患者的糖尿病史、吸烟、长期使用抗菌药物、长期使用激素、长期卧床等比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);多因素非条件Logistic回归分析结果显示糖尿病史(OR=10.593,P=0.000)、吸烟(OR=6.194,P=0.008)、长期使用抗菌药物(OR=3.255,P=0.014)为导致肺部感染的高危因素(P0.05)。结论老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重合并肺部感染比较常见,病原菌中主要为革兰阴性菌,对多种抗菌药物有耐药性,发病高危因素主要为糖尿病、吸烟与长期使用抗菌药物。     

Gene polymorphisms of CETP and apolipoprotein E in elderly subjects with cognitive impairment

The association of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is under debate. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between APOE and CETP genotypes with healthy ageing. We analysed 267 elderly subjects (55 to 80+ years), 163 with MCI and 104 healthy, and 50 healthy control subjects (35 to 55 years) from a Romanian population. Biochemical parameters and thyroid hormones were assayed in plasma. APOE and CETP TaqIB gene polymorphisms were determined. Elderly subjects had higher frequency of ɛ3/ɛ2 genotype (14.6% vs. 4%, P<0.001) than controls. Elderly subjects with MCI had lower high density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol (P=0.031), apoA-I (P=0.018), T3 (P=0.002), T4 (P=0.028) and TSH (P=0.001) hormone levels, higher systolic blood pressure (P=0.005), lower frequency of CETP B2 allele than the age-matched subjects. Healthy elderly subjects had CETP B2 allele associated with higher plasma apoA-I (P=0.021), lower circulating collagen (P=0.001) levels, and an increased frequency of the combined APOE ɛ2- CETP B2 genotype (18.3%) relative to MCI elderly subjects (7.6%, P=0.011). Healthy elderly subjects are characterized by higher HDL cholesterol, apoA-I levels and higher frequency of the combined APOE ɛ2 and CETP B2 alleles, indicating this pattern as representative for healthy ageing.     

Intrusions in children's dietary recalls: the roles of BMI, sex, race, interview protocol, and social desirability

Dietary-reporting validation study data and school foodservice production records were used to examine intrusions (reports of uneaten items) in school meals in 24-h recalls. Fourth-grade children [20 low-BMI (> or = 5th and < 50th percentiles); 20 high-BMI (> or = 85th percentile); 50% boys; 75% black] were each observed eating two school meals (breakfast, lunch) and interviewed about the prior 24h that evening (24E) or the previous day the next morning (PDM). Social desirability was assessed. Intrusions were classified as stretches (on meal tray), internal confabulations (in school foodservice environment but not on meal tray), and external confabulations (not in school foodservice environment). For breakfast, reported items were less likely to be intrusions for black than white children, and for low-BMI boys than the other BMI-x-sex groups, and to be external confabulations for high-BMI girls than high-BMI boys. For lunch, reported items and intrusions were more likely to be stretches for 24E than PDM interviews. As social desirability increased, fewer items were reported for breakfast, and reported items and intrusions were more likely to be internal confabulations for lunch. For breakfast, compared to low-BMI girls, as social desirability increased, intruded amounts were larger for high-BMI boys and smaller for high-BMI girls. For lunch, intruded amounts were smaller for high-BMI girls than the other BMI-x-sex groups. Amounts reported were smaller for stretches than internal confabulations and external confabulations for breakfast, and external confabulations for lunch. To better understand intrusions, dietary-reporting validation studies are needed with larger samples by BMI-group, sex, and race.     

Processing of the Platelet Amyloid Precursor Protein in the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

It has been suggested that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients deteriorate faster than the healthy elderly population and have an increased risk of developing dementia. Certain blood molecular biomarkers have been identified as prognostic markers in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The present study was aimed to assess the status of the platelet amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism in MCI and AD subjects and establish to what extent any variation could have a prognostic value suggestive of predictive AD in MCI patients. Thirty-four subjects diagnosed with MCI and 45 subjects with AD were compared to 28 healthy elderly individuals for assessing for protein levels of APP, β-APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), presenilin 1 (PS1) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-10 (ADAM-10) by western blot, and for the enzyme activities of BACE1 and γ-secretase by using specific fluorogenic substrates, in samples of platelets. A similar pattern in the healthy elderly and MCI patients was found for BACE1 and PS1 levels. A reduction of APP levels in MCI and AD patients compared with healthy elderly individuals was found. Augmented levels of ADAM-10 in both MCI and AD were displayed in comparison with age-matched control subjects. The ratio ADAM-10/BACE1 was higher for the MCI group versus AD group. Whereas BACE1 and PS1 levels were only increased in AD regarding to controls, BACE1 and γ-secretase activities augmented significantly in both MCI and AD groups. Finally, differences and similarities between MCI and AD patients were observed in several markers of platelet APP processing. Larger sample sets from diverse populations need to be analyzed to define a signature for the presence of MCI or AD pathology and to early detect AD at the MCI stage.     

Mild Cognitive Impairment: Vascular Risk Factors in Community Elderly in Four Cities of Hebei Province,China

BackgroundEvidence has demonstrated that vascular risk factors (VRFs) contribute to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly population. Because of the race and different diagnosis standard, there is still no definitive conclusions.ObjectiveTo estimate the VRFs and potential protective factors for MCI in elderly population living in the community in North China.MethodsA total of 3136 participants entered the study. They were screened for hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Cognitive function was assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The diagnosis of MCI was made according to Petersen’s criteria. We investigated the relationship between vascular risk factors, potential protective factors and MCI.ResultsA total of 2511 (80%) participant belonged to normal group and 625 (20%) participants showed MCI. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that stroke and diabetes, but not hypertension or CHD was associated with MCI. Besides, exercise habit could lower the risk of MCI.ConclusionsVascular Risk Factors, including stroke and diabetes, rather than hypertension and CHD are independent risk factors of MCI. Involvement in physical activities seems to reduce the risk of MCI.     

慢性肾脏病并发左室肥厚现况及其危险因素

目的:探索中老年慢性肾脏病并发左室肥厚(LVH)的现况及其危险因素。方法:对我院肾内科住院的40-75岁CKD2-5期患者210例的病历资料进行回顾性分析。结果:(1)心脏舒张功能减退发生率高于收缩功能减退(79.1%VS 20.3%P=0.000);左房扩大检出率高于左室扩大检出率(46.5%VS 19.8%P=0.000);室间隔增厚检出率(IVSH)也高于左室后壁增厚检出率(LVPWH)(43.0%VS 21.1%P=0.000);LVH的发生率高于IVSH检出率(47.9%VS 35%P=0.001),其中女性LVH高于男性(73.2%VS31.0%P=0.000),然而若采用另外一种诊断标准,两者并无统计学差异(50%VS 34.5%P=0.068)。(2)IVSH组收缩压、脉压、血肌酐均高于无IVSH组。IVSH组除上述因素外血磷尚高于无IVSH组,但在CKD5期的亚组分析中仅收缩压与对照组相比有统计学差异。LVH组收缩压、脉压均高于无LVH组,而血红蛋白、体质指数则低于对照组。进一步Logistic回归分析提示仅性别、体质指数有统计学意义。结论:(1)40-75岁的心血管疾病高危的CKD患者中,采用超声心动图诊断LVH,根据公式计算的LVMI诊断阳性率最高,但诊断切点仍需进一步研究。(2)收缩压升高、脉压增大、贫血、低体质指数、女性均可能是LVH的危险因素,控制血压、纠正贫血和营养不良可能是防治LVH的重要靶点。     

老年代谢综合征患者颈动脉内膜中层厚度与血管内皮功能及血管粘附因子-1的相关性

目的:探讨老年代谢综合征(MS)患者颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)与血管内皮功能及血管粘附因子-1(VCAM-1)的相关性。方法:选取2013年1月~2014年10月我院收治的50例MS患者分为老年组(n=25)和中青年组(n=25),又根据IMT分为正常组和增厚组两个亚组。比较老年组和中青年组患者的临床资料,采用放射免疫分析法检测所有患者内皮素-1(ET-1)水平,采用分光光度计间接比色法检测一氧化氮(NO)水平,采用ELISA法检测VCAM-1水平,采用超声诊断仪检测IMT。结果:老年MS组和中青年MS组临床资料比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05);MS患者IMT增厚组的NO水平均低于IMT正常组,而ET-1和VCAM-1水平均高于IMT正常组,比较差异有统计学意义(均P0.05)。IMT增厚组间比较,老年MS组的NO水平低于中青年MS组,VCAM-1水平高于中青年MS组,比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);老年MS组和中青年MS组的IMT与NO水平呈负相关(r=-0.415,-0.411;P=0.043,0.049),与ET-1和VCAM-1水平呈正相关(r=0.585,0.576;P=0.030,0.036;r=0.547,0.552;P=0.033,0.031)。结论:血管内皮功能障碍和动脉粥样硬化等多重因素促进了MS患者IMT增厚中病理过程的发生和发展。     

The role of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in reducing lipid peroxidation among elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment: a case-control study

The present work explores the effect of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) intake on lipid peroxidation among mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. The plasma lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) levels in 67 MCI patients were compared to those of 134 healthy elderly controls. Omega-3 PUFA intake was assessed using an interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire. Apolipoprotein E genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion. The association between various confounders and lipid peroxidation was evaluated using regression analysis. The influence of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake on LPO level was investigated. The results revealed that LPO levels were significantly higher in the MCI group than in the control group. Inverse correlations were found between DHA and EPA intake and LPO level among the MCI group. LPO levels decreased significantly with increasing DHA and EPA intake. In summary, the findings revealed that DHA and EPA can play a role in alleviating oxidative stress and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.     

Quantification of butyryl CoA:acetate CoA-transferase genes reveals different butyrate production capacity in individuals according to diet and age

The gastrointestinal microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, which affect colonic health, immune function and epigenetic regulation. To assess the effects of nutrition and aging on the production of butyrate, the butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase gene and population shifts of Clostridium clusters lV and XlVa, the main butyrate producers, were analysed. Faecal samples of young healthy omnivores (24 ± 2.5 years), vegetarians (26 ± 5 years) and elderly (86 ± 8 years) omnivores were evaluated. Diet and lifestyle were assessed in questionnaire-based interviews. The elderly had significantly fewer copies of the butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase gene than young omnivores (P=0.014), while vegetarians showed the highest number of copies (P=0.048). The thermal denaturation of the butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase gene variant melting curve related to Roseburia/Eubacterium rectale spp. was significantly more variable in the vegetarians than in the elderly. The Clostridium cluster XIVa was more abundant in vegetarians (P=0.049) and in omnivores (P<0.01) than in the elderly group. Gastrointestinal microbiota of the elderly is characterized by decreased butyrate production capacity, reflecting increased risk of degenerative diseases. These results suggest that the butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase gene is a valuable marker for gastrointestinal microbiota function.     

The influence of smoking on plasma folate and lipoproteins in Alzheimer disease, mild cognitive impairment and depression

The risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with lifestyle factors, especially cigarette smoking. In this study we investigated the influence of smoking on the serum levels of folic acid, LDL and HDL in AD patients, patients with minimal cognitive impairment (MCI) and patients with major depression. We investigated a total of n = 374 patients in the diagnostic categories:, AD: n = 272, MCI: n = 60, Major depression: n = 42. We found significantly lower HDL levels in smokers and previous smokers in comparison to non-smokers, p<0,05. The LDL: HDL ratio in smokers was significant higher (+20%) compared to previous smokers and non-smokers, p < 0.05. The mean levels of folic acid were statistically significant (p<0.05) lower (-24%) in smokers compared to non-smokers. Patients with MCI and Alzheimer;s disease (and also major depression) who are "smokers" show serum levels of HDL and folic acid that are known to be strong risk factors for vascular damage and increased risk for vascular brain damage and impaired cognitive function. Therefore cessation of smoking, substitution with folate or statin therapy of smoking patients with MCI or AD might be beneficial to slow down further cognitive decline.