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IRISIN: THE SPORT HORMONE AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurocognitive disorder that causes a slow and progressive decline in some specific intellectual abilities. It can manifest in short-term memory loss, as well as impaired reasoning, difficulty in managing complex activities, poor judgment, language impairments, and the inability to recognize common objects and faces.

The scientific world is constantly looking for solutions to mitigate its effects and find a definitive cure, and numerous clinical trials are still ongoing. Recently, a group of scientists led by Fernanda de Felice, a researcher from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, discovered that the irisin hormone could have protective effects on the brain from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in general.

IRISIN AGAINST COGNITIVE DEFICIT

Irisin is produced by human muscle tissue during physical activity. Among the effects of this hormone is the conversion of white fat cells, one of the two types of adipose tissue, into brown fat cells: making lipid reserves more readily available for energy use. This physiological process would thus decrease the accumulation of body fat, and help fight obesity and diabetes.

On the other hand, the work carried out by Fernanda de Felice and her team, confirmed that irisin promotes the integrity of nerve cells, and prevents their degeneration. They led laboratory investigations on mice; and chemically blocked the hormone to analyze its effects on memory and synapses, despite injections of beta-amyloid, which can cause Alzheimer’s disease if it accumulates.  This allowed them to see how the memory of mice regressed in a similar way to sedentary mice, showing cognitive and memory deficits similar to those produced by Alzheimer’s. In the continuation of the experiment, irisin was administered into the mice and as expected, cognitive deficits disappeared.

This is why this hormone could represent an antidote against senile dementia, to prevent it or to stop an already ongoing cognitive decline. In fact, the observed results open doors to other possible studies about the interaction between molecular synthesis and the irisin cycle, which can reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

SPORTS REJUVENATE THE BRAIN

The work of Fernanda de Felice and her team supports a study published in Neurology, and carried out by James Blumenthal and other researchers from the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. According to this study, exercising regularly keeps the brain young. In particular, research has shown that practicing aerobic activities three times a week, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, or cycling, can rejuvenate the brain by about nine years.

The sample consisted of 160 individuals aged 65 and over who led a sedentary lifestyle, and  suffered from memory loss, decision-making, and mental organization problems (classic symptoms of cognitive decline and/or early Alzheimer’s). The subjects were divided into various groups and the intervention group was instructed to engage in physical activity. The groups that exercised 3 times per week (45 minutes of physical activity, divided into 10 minutes of warm-up and 35 minutes of treadmill running) showed improvements in cognitive functions and executive skills: the ability to decide, reflect, organize, and complete a task. The researchers also determined that these improvements are comparable to a 9-year brain rejuvenation. Further studies will be needed to better understand the relationship between physical activity, irisin, and cognitive skills.

SOURCES

  1. Fernanda de Felice et Al. – Exercise-linked FNDC5/irisin rescues synaptic plasticity and memory defects in Alzheimer’s models – Nature Medicine; January 2019
  2. James A. Blumenthal et Al. – Lifestyle and neurocognition in older adults with cognitive impairments. A randomized trial – Neurology, January 15, 2019

By Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff
Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus aims to make scientific dissemination by raising awareness among the scientific and non-scientific community of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition through the production of explanatory scientific articles, textual, infographics and multimedia content, and the dissemination of clinical activities scientific, informative and educational aspects of the Foundation and its team of professionals. Dietary pathways, scientific discoveries, clinical studies, treatments and technologies, national and international awareness events, prevention initiatives as well as Longevity recipes are just some of the topics addressed in articles and in-depth interviews published daily and written in collaboration with the Foundation’s specialists. Also active on social networks, Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff also offers a monthly newsletter sent to all members, to stay up to date on the most interesting news related to the world of Health, Nutrition and Longevity.
Contributors:
Romina Inés Cervigni
Alessandra Fedato
Maria Liliana Ciraulo
Corinna Montana Lampo
Cristina Villa
Contact: [email protected] or + 39 02 2513 8307

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WHAT TO EAT BEFORE AND AFTER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Consuming a healthy and balanced diet, and exercising regularly are among the foundations for living a long and healthy life, as well as contributing factors to overall wellbeing. The body needs energy to carry out daily activities or during sports and physical activity. What are the ideal foods to consume before and after a workout to ensure the greatest benefits?

WHAT TO EAT BEFORE EXERCISING
First of all, it is essential to eat properly before doing any physical activity. Exercising in a fasted state can cause hypoglycemia and hunger spikes, it increases the risk of fainting, and may even result in a muscle catabolism process that may put toxins in the bloodstream. Food taken in before playing sports or any other physical activity, even walking to work, is important because it is the body’s source of energy during these activities.

In general, nutritionists recommend a simple and light pre-workout meal (to avoid complex and prolonged digestion) with an adequate amount of nutrients, to ensure the right energy and nutritional intake. If you practice sports in the morning, for example, it’s recommended to have a quick snack before physical activity, and then have a rich and complete breakfast afterwards. Lunch should be consumed at least 3 hours prior to exercising to make sure it doesn’t affect the digestive process, and should be based on carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains and vegetables, and with minimal protein and fat to enhance both strength and endurance. If you exercise in the evening, have a snack (banana, walnuts, granola bar) about 2 hours before working out.

WHAT TO EAT AFTER EXERCISING
First of all, never skip a meal after physical activity. Nutritionists recommend consuming 30 grams of protein within 1-2 hours after each workout. Protein is essential for muscle recovery, and helps regenerate muscle fibers after physical activity. In fact, athletes should always consume healthy amounts of protein from various sources, such as fish, legumes, whole grains, and dairy products. Fats are also important for those who exercise, especially healthy fats like vegetable oil, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. After exercising, the body gets rid of toxins and must replenish energy reserves, as well as restore damaged muscle tissue.

In the 15-30 minutes post-workout, the muscles are able to quickly absorb nutrients to synthesize new tissue and repair the damage caused by physical activity. This time frame is called the “anabolic window” (which gradually decreases within 2 hours), and some nutritionists recommend eating a protein snack immediately after a workout to regenerate the muscles. This is especially true for those who play sports at an intermediate to professional level. For those who simply want to lose weight and/or maintain a healthy weight, it is still recommended to take advantage of the increased basal metabolic rate and eat 1 or 2 hours after exercising. In any case, it is good to consult a nutritionist to evaluate your situation and choose an appropriate diet.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HYDRATION
Another fundamental issue is hydration: replenishing fluids lost during physical activity, especially on hot and sunny days. The risk we face is dehydration which, in addition to decreasing athletic performance, can be harmful to the body. It’s advised to drink water before, during, and after training, to replenish the liquids lost during the workout. If necessary, it can be useful to consume water rich in mineral salts and/or saline supplements in moderation.

SOURCES

  1. Arem H. et Al., “Leisure time physical activity and mortality: a detailed pooled analysis of the dose-response relationship”, JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Jun;175(6):959-67. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.0533
  2. Paddon-Jones D, Rasmussen BB. “Dietary protein recommendations and the prevention of sarcopenia” Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care – 2009 Jan;12(1):86-90. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32831cef8b

  3. Kumar V. et Al. “Age-related differences in the dose-response relationship of muscle protein synthesis to resistance exercise in young and old men” – J Physiol – 2009 Jan 15;587(1):211-7. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.164483. Epub 2008 Nov 10.

By Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff
Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus aims to make scientific dissemination by raising awareness among the scientific and non-scientific community of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition through the production of explanatory scientific articles, textual, infographics and multimedia content, and the dissemination of clinical activities scientific, informative and educational aspects of the Foundation and its team of professionals. Dietary pathways, scientific discoveries, clinical studies, treatments and technologies, national and international awareness events, prevention initiatives as well as Longevity recipes are just some of the topics addressed in articles and in-depth interviews published daily and written in collaboration with the Foundation’s specialists. Also active on social networks, Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff also offers a monthly newsletter sent to all members, to stay up to date on the most interesting news related to the world of Health, Nutrition and Longevity.
Contributors:
Romina Inés Cervigni
Alessandra Fedato
Maria Liliana Ciraulo
Corinna Montana Lampo
Cristina Villa
Contact: [email protected] or + 39 02 2513 8307

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New clinical study on the combination of fasting diet and chemotherapy

New research combines the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) with adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.
The published study in Nature Communications was conducted in several hospitals in the Netherlands, in collaboration with Professor Valter Longo’s research team.
The results of this study are added to the pre-clinical ones and suggest, for the first time in patients, that FMD is safe and effective in combination with chemotherapy in women with early onset breast cancer.
Mice studies have shown that FMD cycles, combined with a wide range of anti-cancer therapies, can protect against the side effects of chemotherapy, inhibit the progression of a wide variety of tumors and increase the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy itself.
There are also some small clinical studies that have already assessed the potential of fasting to improve cancer treatment, and that have focused primarily on patient feasibility and treatment toxicity.
Proceeding in chronological order, the first published study concerns the collection by Professor Longo and his collaborators of data on ten people, who voluntarily chose to fast in conjunction with chemotherapy. The results suggest that fasting in combination with chemotherapy is feasible, safe and has the potential to decrease the side effects caused by chemotherapy. (1)

The second study, carried out by the University of Leiden, examined the feasibility of short-term fasting and its effects on chemotherapy tolerance in a homogeneous group of patients with ovarian or breast cancer. Fasting during chemotherapy was well tolerated and showed a reduction in side effects. (2)

A clinical study published by Professor Longo in 2016 saw 18 patients fasting on water alone for 24, 48 or 72 hours before platinum-based chemotherapy, and was conducted to evaluate their safety and feasibility in cancer patients.
The potential protective effects of 72-hour fasting compared to 24-hour fasting with breast, ovarian, uterine and lung cancer are visible. (3)

The second study, carried out by the University of Leiden, examined the feasibility of short-term fasting and its effects on chemotherapy tolerance in a homogeneous group of patients with ovarian or breast cancer. Fasting during chemotherapy was well tolerated and showed a reduction in side effects. (2)

The last article, preceding this, studied the feasibility and effects on the quality of life and the well-being of short-term fasting during chemotherapy in patients with gynecological cancer (ovary and breast). Short-term fasting during chemotherapy is well tolerated and appears to improve quality of life and fatigue during therapy. (4)

What does this study say?

131 patients with stage II or III breast cancer (HER2 negative) were recruited for this study. 65 of these were asked to adopt an FMD, starting 3 days before adjuvant chemotherapy. The remaining patients continued with their usual eating patterns.
Overall, these data are in agreement with previous studies, showing that FMD is safe and effective in addition to chemotherapy, at least in patients with a normal body mass index at the time of enrollment.
In addition, patients who followed FMD for multiple cycles of chemotherapy had improvements in the radiological response and were more likely to decrease cancer cells by 90-100%. In patients who have followed multiple FMDs, the damage induced by chemotherapy to the DNA of T lymphocytes is significantly reduced. This effect could be read as a “dose response”, i.e. as the number of FMD cycles increases in conjunction with the therapy, they increase the benefits.
As a general conclusion, FMD is safe in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments and has contributed to diminishing the adverse effects of the treatments themselves.

However, new and more detailed studies are needed to describe in detail the effect of FMD in this and other types of tumors.
Currently, there are several clinical studies underway to verify the safety and effects of FMD, in particular on the side effects of anti-cancer treatments and the enhancement of standard therapies. At the moment, no further information is available and we will have to wait for the conclusion of these studies.

SOURCES

  1. Safdie, F. M., Dorff, T., Quinn, D., Fontana, L., Wei, M., Lee, C., … Longo, V. D. (2009). Fasting and cancer treatment in humans: A case series report. Aging (Albany NY), 1(12), 988–1007.
  2. De Groot, S., Vreeswijk, M. P., Welters, M. J., Gravesteijn, G., Boei, J. J., Jochems, A., Kroep, J. R. (2015). The effects of short-term fasting on tolerance to (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-negative breast cancer patients: a randomized pilot study. BMC Cancer, 15, 652.
  3. Dorff, T. B., Groshen, S., Garcia, A., Shah, M., Tsao-Wei, D., Pham, H., … Quinn, D. I. (2016). Safety and feasibility of fasting in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy. BMC Cancer, 16, 360.
  4. Bauersfeld SP, Kessler CS, Wischnewsky M, Jaensch A, Steckhan N, Stange R, Kunz B, Brückner B, Sehouli J, Michalsen A. The effects of short-term fasting on quality of life and tolerance to chemotherapy in patients with breast and ovarian cancer: a randomized cross-over pilot study. BMC Cancer. 2018 Apr 27;18(1):476. doi: 10.1186/s12885-018-4353-2.
  5. de Groot S, Lugtenberg RT, Cohen D, et al. Fasting mimicking diet as an adjunct to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer in the multicentre randomized phase 2 DIRECT trial. Nat Commun. 2020;11(1):3083. Published 2020 Jun 23. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-16138-3

By Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff
Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus aims to make scientific dissemination by raising awareness among the scientific and non-scientific community of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition through the production of explanatory scientific articles, textual, infographics and multimedia content, and the dissemination of clinical activities scientific, informative and educational aspects of the Foundation and its team of professionals. Dietary pathways, scientific discoveries, clinical studies, treatments and technologies, national and international awareness events, prevention initiatives as well as Longevity recipes are just some of the topics addressed in articles and in-depth interviews published daily and written in collaboration with the Foundation’s specialists. Also active on social networks, Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff also offers a monthly newsletter sent to all members, to stay up to date on the most interesting news related to the world of Health, Nutrition and Longevity.
Contributors:
Romina Inés Cervigni
Alessandra Fedato
Maria Liliana Ciraulo
Corinna Montana Lampo
Cristina Villa
Contact: [email protected] or + 39 02 2513 8307

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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS THE ELIXIR OF LIFE

What is the secret to living longer? The most incisive factor is in our genes. We inherit longevity from our ancestors, through modified genes that protect against the risk of diseases related to aging. It’s quite common to find people with a high life expectancy within the same family tree. Genes help, but they are not enough. If we want to have a long and healthy life, we must have a healthy lifestyle and follow a well-balanced diet. The Mediterranean Diet is an excellent food model. However, if we want to go one step further in delaying the aging process and, thus, also reducing the risk of disease, it is necessary to add another fundamental aspect to our lifestyle: daily physical activity.

EXAMPLES FOR LONGEVITY

Several researchers have focused their attention on the analysis of centenarians: individuals who live to 100 years or more. The common denominator, in addition to a healthy diet, is always regular physical activity, even in old age. For example, the fishermen on the island of Okinawa, Japan, who never stop working and practice Tai Chi; in Loma Linda, California, the population walks often and trains in the gym; and in Costa Rica, individuals grow up doing physical labor. However, an example closer to home are the Sardinian shepherds who walk at least 8 km per day, going up and down the mountains; or in Calabria, where centenarians still walk to the olive groves.

THE OPTIMAL PHYSICAL EXERCISE TO LIVE LONGER

The secret to live up to 100 years, is to choose your favorite physical activity. In order to stimulate the body to optimize its physiological functions, as well as promoting muscle maintenance, it’s important to choose one that involves movement of the whole body for at least 5-10 hours a week, but without exceeding it. So what are the most suitable activities to keep us healthy and live longer? If we think that our ancestors, since prehistoric times, moved at a brisk pace across vast territories, we can assume that physical activity for the human body is the fast walk par excellence. The advice is to practice a steady and regular walk at a sustained pace, for at least 1 hour a day: going to the workplace on foot, getting off one or two stops earlier on the bus or metro, walking everywhere we would normally travel by car, avoiding elevators and escalators, etc.

We can also add an aerobic workout, such as cycling, swimming or running, which can be done for at least 30-40 minutes every other day, and for up to 2 hours on the weekends. After the first 10 minutes of aerobic exercise, one should begin to sweat. However, it’s better to ride a bike than to run because running can be too hard on your joints, especially if you are not athletically prepared. Using a  bike to get around town, as well as one at home to use every now and then is a good idea. Swimming is also a good alternative, although its beneficial effects in terms of longevity are still unknown. The most important thing is to stimulate and use your muscles every day, without exceeding so as to avoid damage.

HOW TO BEST PRACTICE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WHAT TO EAT AFTER

Several studies link physical activity to longevity. That is, to increase your life expectancy, it’s important to practice moderate aerobic training, with movements that burn between 3 and 6 times more calories than when seated (3-6 MET), and with peaks of intense exercise (> 6 MET). The reduction in mortality is due to intensity and quantity: 150-300 minutes of moderate (300) or intense (150) aerobic activity. To strengthen the muscles, exercises (with or without weights) for an overload of 65-70% of the maximum load are advised. Finally, within 1-2 hours after each workout, it is essential to consume a meal that is low in carbohydrates, but contains about 30 grams of protein (to promote muscle growth).

SOURCES

  1. Valter Longo, “La dieta della longevità” – Vallardi 2016
  2. Peter Bowes, “Loma Linda: The secret to a long healthy life?” – BBC News, Loma Linda, California – (data ultimo accesso 19-04-2019)
  3. Buettner, “The Blue Zones, Second Edition Dan Buettner PDF 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest” – National Geographic, 2012
  4. Gebel K. Et Al., “Effect of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity on All-Cause Mortality in Middle-aged and Older Australians”, JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Jun;175(6):970-7. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.0541.
  5. Arem H. et Al., “Leisure time physical activity and mortality: a detailed pooled analysis of the dose-response relationship”, JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Jun;175(6):959-67. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.0533
  6. Paddon-Jones D, Rasmussen BB. “Dietary protein recommendations and the prevention of sarcopenia” CurrOpin Clin NutrMetab Care – 2009 Jan;12(1):86-90. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32831cef8b
  7. Kumar V.et Al. “Age-related differences in the dose-response relationship of muscle protein synthesis to resistance exercise in young and old men” – J Physiol – 2009 Jan 15;587(1):211-7. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.164483. Epub 2008 Nov 10.

By Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff
Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus aims to make scientific dissemination by raising awareness among the scientific and non-scientific community of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition through the production of explanatory scientific articles, textual, infographics and multimedia content, and the dissemination of clinical activities scientific, informative and educational aspects of the Foundation and its team of professionals. Dietary pathways, scientific discoveries, clinical studies, treatments and technologies, national and international awareness events, prevention initiatives as well as Longevity recipes are just some of the topics addressed in articles and in-depth interviews published daily and written in collaboration with the Foundation’s specialists. Also active on social networks, Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff also offers a monthly newsletter sent to all members, to stay up to date on the most interesting news related to the world of Health, Nutrition and Longevity.
Contributors:
Romina Inés Cervigni
Alessandra Fedato
Maria Liliana Ciraulo
Corinna Montana Lampo
Cristina Villa
Contact: [email protected] or + 39 02 2513 8307

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THE TRUE WEIGHT OF OBESITY

More than four months have passed since the new Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was identified in China on January 9th2020, as the cause of the respiratory disease known today as COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the epidemic there are almost 4 million cases worldwide, with over 270 thousand deaths. Unfortunately, our country has been among the most affected, with almost 200 thousand cases confirmed since the beginning of the epidemic and over 30 thousand people have died.

Although the trend of infections and deaths has been improving for a few weeks, according to the WHO, the risk is still moderate for the general population, while the risk is still high for the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

In this article (CORONAVIRUS DATA AT HAND), we have already talked about how the coexistence of other pathologies (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, in addition to oncological diseases) significantly increases mortality for COVID-19. These are diseases often related to obesity, and it is therefore not surprising that the course of this new infection was typically more serious and difficult in patients with excess weight.

OBESITY

Obesity is a condition characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat, caused in most cases by an unhealthy lifestyle, and mainly by the combination of unregulated nutrition (too much food and/or bad quality food) and absence of physical activity.

Technically, we considerit obesity when the ratio between the weight and the height in meters squared, i.e. the Body Mass Index (IMC) also known as BMI (from the English Body Mass Index), exceeds the value of 30 kg/m2. For example, a person who weighs 95 kg and is 1.7 m tall will have a BMI of 32.8 kg/m2: 95 kg/1.7m2.

Obesity is a major public health problem, both for the large number of affected individuals (1 in 10 people in Italy) and for its complications: cardiovascular diseases (especially stroke and heart attack), hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, metabolic syndrome, some types of tumors (including colorectal, kidney, breast, prostate), musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis.

OBESITY AND COVID-19

According to several surveys, including those carried out in France and the USA, obese people who fall ill with COVID-19 need lung ventilation more often, that is, they fall ill more severely than normal weight people.

In the French survey, 90% of severely overweight people needed mechanical ventilation, and it was observed that the risk of hospitalization in intensive care increases with an increased BMI, a risk that in fact halves in patients with normal weight; in the New York study among ICU patients, over 40% were obese.

In fact, obese patients already start with breathing difficulties, given that the chest and abdominal fat compresses the lungs, reducing the ability to fill them with air. In general, obese patients also have a greater need for oxygen, since their body has a greater extension and requires more.

These patients therefore already start with a higher risk of contracting respiratory diseases, compared to normal weight patients. In fact, about 13% of obese subjects develop pathologies such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema or respiratory failure.

IMMUNE SYSTEM AND INFLAMMATION

In addition to the initial respiratory difficulties, obese subjects often have chronic inflammation (even of a low degree) and imbalances in the immune system.

In fact, fat represents a reserve of immune cells, including macrophages, which eliminate pathogens (such as viruses and bacteria), and T lymphocytes, which signal the presence of the infectious agents to the rest of the body.

In patients who have an excess of fat mass, therefore, there is a surplus of these immunity cells, which leads to a more intense immune reaction when they fall ill, a large “cytokine storm” (pro-inflammatory proteins).

It has been observed that the immune reaction can harm the patient more than the virus itself, and not surprisingly many drugs currently being tested are immunosuppressants, or anti-inflammatories. Consequently, it is easy to guess why obese patients have often shown a worse course.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL ADVICE

In light of all these considerations, people with obesity should pay even more attention and strictly follow the government’s prevention measures to protect themselves from SARS-CoV-2 infection. It may also be useful to consult the nutritional guidelines drawn up by the Valter Longo Onlus Foundation on hygiene rules and food suggestions, to support the immune system and eat consciously.

In fact, in addition to the suggestions related to the prevention of Coronavirus, it is essential to make lifestyle changes to reduce excess fat, gradually returning your weight to normal.

This can be achieved by increasing physical activity (based on your state of health) and improving nutrition.

Even if gyms and sports centers are currently closed, it is possible to go for walks or bike rides if you have the opportunity to reach places that are not very polluted and not too crowded. Otherwise, you can also do some breathing and relaxation exercises in your home.

As far as nutrition, the suggestions proposed in “The Longevity Diet” reported in the following link remain valid, not only to normalize weight, but also to reduce the risk of developing various chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular and diabetes) which, in addition to being associated with a shorter and lower quality life, also increase the risk of getting COVID-19.

SOURCES

  1. http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=italiano&id=5338&area=nuovoCoronavirus&menu=vuoto
  2. http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioContenutiNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=italiano&id=5351&area=nuovoCoronavirus&menu=vuoto
  3. http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/salute/p1_5.jsp?area=Malattie_endocrine_e_metaboliche&id=175
  4. https://epicentro.iss.it/obesita/epidemiologia-italia
  5. https://www.insalutenews.it/in-salute/covid-19-i-pazienti-muoiono-traditi-dal-loro-stesso-sistema-immunitario-parola-dordine-calmare-la-tempesta/
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32271993
  7. http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_pubblicazioni_2386_allegato.pdf
  8. Vgontzas AN, Bixler EO, Papanicolaou DA, Chrousos GP. Chronic Systemic Inflammation in Overweight and Obese Adults. 2000;283(17):2235–2236. doi:10.1001/jama.283.17.2235
  9. Vgontzas AN, Bixler EO, Papanicolaou DA, Chrousos GP. Chronic Systemic Inflammation in Overweight and Obese Adults. 2000;283(17):2235–2236. doi:10.1001/jama.283.17.2235
  10. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/Huang-2019-nCoV-clinical-features-Lancet-1-24-2020.pdf
  11. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2010419
  12. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30566-3/fulltext

By Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff
Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus aims to make scientific dissemination by raising awareness among the scientific and non-scientific community of a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition through the production of explanatory scientific articles, textual, infographics and multimedia content, and the dissemination of clinical activities scientific, informative and educational aspects of the Foundation and its team of professionals. Dietary pathways, scientific discoveries, clinical studies, treatments and technologies, national and international awareness events, prevention initiatives as well as Longevity recipes are just some of the topics addressed in articles and in-depth interviews published daily and written in collaboration with the Foundation’s specialists. Also active on social networks, Fondazione Valter Longo Onlus editorial staff also offers a monthly newsletter sent to all members, to stay up to date on the most interesting news related to the world of Health, Nutrition and Longevity.
Contributors:
Romina Inés Cervigni
Alessandra Fedato
Maria Liliana Ciraulo
Corinna Montana Lampo
Cristina Villa
Contact: [email protected] or + 39 02 2513 8307

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Cancer and Nutrition

Sunday, June 17 in Brescia will host a conference titled “Cancer and Nutrition” which will be attended by Professors Valter Longo, Marco Giorgio of the European Institute of Oncology, Giovanni Apolone, Scientific Director of the IRCCS National Cancer Institute Foundation, and the starred chef Davide Oldani. To testify that good food can also be synonymous with health.

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ANCONA, June 23rd

Ancona from June 21st to 23rd within the Expo Meeting Innov-Aging project, an event dedicated to the theme of Longevity will be held, promoting a path of health and well-being. On the 23rd, Prof. Longo and Prof. Makoto Suzuki, cardiologist and geriatrician of one of the longest-lived places in the world will speak: Okinawa, in Japan.

https://www.grey-panthers.it/speciale/no-cat/grey-age-innovazione-nelle-marche-primo-expo-meeting-sulla-silver-economy/ad-ancona-dal-21-al-23-giugno-attivita-gratuite-la-salute-tutti-cittadini/

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A Better Quality of Life and Less Fatigue: New Evidence of the Benefits of Fasting During Chemotherapy

Every year, 8.8 million people worldwide die of cancer and although the recovery rates are increasing, it is estimated that these figures will reach 13 million in 2030. Recently, the journal BMC Cancer published the results of a new clinical trial confirming the benefits of fasting on the quality of life for women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, and specifically in the ability of fasting to alleviate fatigue [1]. The paper is authored by a team of researchers from the Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine at the Immanuel Krankenhaus Center, in collaboration with the Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics of the Freie University, both in Berlin.

Today, chemotherapy— together with radiotherapy and surgery, is the predominant and most effective treatment to fight cancer. However, cancer patients have long weighed the effectiveness of chemotherapy with its heavy toll on the quality of life. As such, modern medicine—even in the field of oncology— is beginning to pay greater attention to experimental therapeutic approaches. One approach that deserves special recognition are fasting and mimicking diets. This innovative intervention has increasingly produced promising results, both in basic research and clinical trials.

The clinical trial conducted in Berlin studied the effects of fasting on a pool of 34 patients, with an average age of 51 years and no less than 18— all with a diagnosis of breast cancer or ovarian cancer and medical recommendations to undergo standard chemotherapy treatment. The fasting regime, which began 36 hours before the chemotherapy cycles and ended 24 hours after, was administered in two forms: the first group, about half of the patients, underwent Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) in the initial phase of chemo, while the second group fasted in the final stage. During the fasting period, patients followed a FMD whose 350 kcal per diem limit—consisting of tea,and vegetable juices and broth. Patients were monitored for the duration of treatment and, in all the observed cases, FMD proved tolerable, causing only minor headaches, nausea or hunger that did not interfere with normal daily activities. Weight loss and reduction of body mass index, typical consequences of chemotherapy, were also limited, with an average variation of less than 1.5 kg in both groups. The improvement in quality of life and reduction of fatigue were more evident for patients who underwent fasting in the initial phase of chemo cycles. This result could be attributed to several factors, notably that fasting appears more effective in preventing the side effects of therapy, than in reversing them.

While the results of this pilot study are certainly encouraging, the implementation of this procedure still requires a degree of prudence in order to avoid potential risks to patients’ health. In particular, it should be noted that not all cancer patients can undergo fasting. Body mass index values lower than 19 kg / m2, a frail physical constitution, and major diseases are incompatible with therapeutic fasting. Rather, for other patients, fasting during chemotherapy treatments is not only feasible but potentially effective. This study confirms as well as adds to the conclusions of previous experimental studies that, since 2008, have demonstrated the efficacy of therapeutic fasting to diminish side effects in mice, but also contributes to the findings of various pilot clinical trials. Regardless of the type of tumor, different fasting protocols in combination with chemotherapy have proven to be safe and even capable of reducing the side effects of pharmacological treatment [2-4]. Hence, fasting can be used as an important tool to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. Its primary contribution appears to be that it helps the chemotherapy drugs to identify the cancer cells—under the correct environmental conditions.

Nonetheless, as the antitumor drugs are increasingly specific and selective, detrimental effects on healthy and actively proliferating cells, such as blood cells, hair follicles or reproductive organs, remain unavoidable. Although at the termination of the therapy, in most cases, such cells resume normal activity, it is undeniable that the problem of cytotoxicity can have negative consequences both for the effectiveness of the therapy itself, triggering even some degree of resistance to the chemo drugs, as well as the formation of secondary tumors, especially after several years of treatment.

Under -nutrient-poor conditions (fasting), cancer cells exhibit greater sensitivity to antineoplastic drugs than do normal cells. This phenomenon, referred to as “differential stress resistance”, demonstrates a different metabolic behavior in healthy cells than it does in diseased cells, and is commonly observed in both the simplest and the most complex organisms, such as humans [5-6]. From a biochemical point of view, the protective effect of fasting translates into a significant reduction in blood glucose, insulin, and IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) levels, which can facilitate cancer growth. In such a context, where the efficacy of chemotherapeutics is naturally enhanced, the need to increase their doses or to develop more aggressive drugs can be reduced. Thus, investing in such research is costly, but represents a crucial resource in terms of producing tangible benefits for patients.

Indeed, FMD can be an enhancement of conventional cancer therapies given that it does not require an excessive financial investment and is potentially effective both in protecting against various cancer treatments and in increasing their anti-tumor toxicity. Still, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of this approach and thus obtain unanimous recognition by the scientific community.

Sources:

  1. Bauersfeld S.P. et al. (2018) The effects of short-term fasting on quality of life and tolerance to chemotherapy in patients with breast and ovarian cancer: a randomized cross-over pilot study. BMC Cancer 18: 476.
  2. Safdie F.M. et al. (2009) Fasting and cancer treatment in humans: A case series report. Aging (Albany NY).1:988-1007.
  3. de Groot S. et al. (2015) The effects of short-term fasting on tolerance to (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-negative breast cancer patients: a randomized pilot study. BMC Cancer 15:652.
  4. Dorff T.B. et al. (2016) Safety and feasibility of fasting in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy. BMC Cancer 16:360.
  5. Lee C and Longo VD. (2011) Fasting vs dietary restriction in cellular protection and cancer treatment: from model organisms to patients. 30:3305–16.
  6. Raffaghello L. et al. (2008) Starvation-dependent differential stress resistance protects normal but not cancer cells against high-dose chemotherapy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 105:8215–20.

Nicoletta Guaragnella

NICOLETTA GUARAGNELLA

Researcher at the Institute of Biomembranes,
Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies of the National Research Council, Bari
Scientific communicator