Gene Found That Plays Role In Regulating Cholesterol Levels

A study that analyzed genetic data from 100,000 people of European ancestry has found a gene that affects cholesterol levels by generating omega-6 fatty acids known as lipoxins. Anti-inflammatory lipoxins actually help rid the body of so-called bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, or LDL). The Austrian researchers believe their findings could lead to development of new therapies to prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and stroke. They also found that aspirin also stimulates production of lipoxins.

"The Arachidonic Acid Metabolome Serves as a Conserved Regulator of Cholesterol Metabolism. ", Cell Metabolism, October 24, 2014

Study Links High-Protein Breakfast With Reduced P.M. Food Cravings

U.S. researchers report that eating a high-protein breakfast boosts levels of the brain chemical dopamine that is associated with feelings of reward. Higher levels of the chemical may reduce cravings and overeating later in the day, leading perhaps to a reduced risk of obesity. People experience a dramatic decline in cravings for sweet foods when they eat breakfast, researchers said. But breakfasts high in protein also reduced cravings for savory (high fat) foods. Because dopamine levels are dulled in overweight and obese individuals, it takes much more stimulation (i.e., food) to elicit feelings of reward, thus further contributing to obesity.

"Effects of high-protein vs. high- fat snacks on appetite control, satiety, and eating initiation in healthy women. ", Nutrition Journal, October 23, 2014

Exercise Improves Memory In Senior Brains Up To Age 70

People older than 70 may not benefit from exercise that, in younger people, improves cerebral blood flow and visual memory, German scientists have found. Forty study participants in good health, though sedentary, were divided into two groups. Half exercised regularly on a treadmill for three months. The rest participated in muscle relaxation sessions. Researchers found that regular physical exercise in men and women between 60 and 70 improved brain perfusion and memory skills, but had virtually no benefit for those older than 70. They concluded that “we may need pharmacological treatments to make exercise more effective" in older seniors.

"Vascular hippocampal plasticity after aerobic exercise in older adults. ", Molecular Psychiatry, October 20, 2014

Researchers Urge Development Of Better Way To Process Raw Cow’s Milk

German and other European researchers have found that fresh cow’s milk – as opposed to ultra-high-temperature (UHT) treated or pasteurized milk -- better protects babies from respiratory infections, febrile illness and inflammation of the middle ear. However, because raw cow’s milk can contain harmful microorganisms, the researchers advocated development of a better treatment technology that preserves the protective ingredients in fresh milk. “If the health hazards of raw milk could be overcome, the public health impact of minimally processed but pathogen-free milk might be enormous,” the authors concluded.

"Consumption of unprocessed cow's milk protects infants from common respiratory infections. ", Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, October 20, 2014

Eating Fatty Fish Improves Response To Antidepressants

Almost half of patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) do not respond to a class of antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. But a new Dutch study says that response can be significantly increased when fatty fish is introduced into the diet. For the study, fatty acid and cortisol levels were measured in 70 patients with depression and 51 healthy people. The depressed patients were given various doses of an SSRI daily for six weeks. Further testing of the MDD patients found that those who ate fatty fish at least once a week had a 75 percent chance of responding to antidepressants. Those who never ate fatty fish had only a 23 percent chance of responding.

"Fish intake associated with boost to antidepressant response", News release, research presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology congress, October 20, 2014