Skin Antiageing and Systemic Redox Effects of Supplementation with Marine Collagen Peptides and Plant-Derived Antioxidants: A Single-Blind Case-Control Clinical Study

Recently, development and research of nutraceuticals based on marine collagen peptides (MCPs) have been growing due to their high homology with human collagens, safety, bioavailability through gut, and numerous bioactivities. The major concern regarding safety of MCPs intake relates to increased risk of oxidative stress connected with collagen synthesis (likewise in fibrosis) and to ROS production by MCPs-stimulated phagocytes. In this clinical-laboratory study, fish skin MCPs combined with plant-derived skin-targeting antioxidants (AO) (coenzyme Q10 + grape-skin extract + luteolin + selenium) were administered to volunteers (n=41). Skin properties (moisture, elasticity, sebum production, and biological age) and ultrasonic markers (epidermal/dermal thickness and acoustic density) were measured thrice (2 months before treatment and before and after cessation of 2-month oral intake). The supplementation remarkably improved skin elasticity, sebum production, and dermal ultrasonic markers. Metabolic data showed significant increase of plasma hydroxyproline and ATP storage in erythrocytes. Redox parameters, GSH/coenzyme Q10 content, and GPx/GST activities were unchanged, while NO and MDA were moderately increased within, however, normal range of values. Conclusions. A combination of MCPs with skin-targeting AOs could be effective and safe supplement to improve skin properties without risk of oxidative damage

Antioxidant and Antiaging Properties of a Novel Synergistic Nutraceutical Complex: Readouts from an In Cellulo Study and an In Vivo Prospective, Randomized Trial

Aging is a dynamic procedure that is developed in multiple layers and characterized by distinct hallmarks. The use of biomarkers that target different hallmarks of aging is substantial in predicting adverse outcomes during the aging process, implementing specifically designed antiaging interventions and monitoring responses to these interventions. The present study aimed to develop a novel composition of plant extracts, comprising identified active ingredients that synergistically target different hallmarks of aging in cellulo and in vivo. The selected single extracts and the developed composition were tested through a powerful set of biomarkers that we have previously identified and studied. The composition of selected extracts simultaneously increased cellular lifespan, reduced the cellular oxidative load and enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms by increasing proteasome activity and content. In addition, the combination prevented telomere attrition and preserved optimum DNA methylation levels. Remarkably, biomarker profiling of healthy volunteers who received the identified combination in the form of a nutritional supplement within the frame of a prospective, randomized, controlled 3-month trial revealed an unprecedented antioxidant capacity in humans. In conclusion, our results support the notion that interventions with specifically designed combinations of natural compounds targeting multiple hallmarks of aging represent an effective way to improve healthspan and well-being

Sind härtere Strafen für Korruption erforderlich?

Der vorliegende Beitrag diskutiert die Frage, inwieweit härtere Sanktionen geeignet sind, zur Einschränkung von Korruption beizutragen. Da Strafen auf vielfältige Art und Weise das Entscheidungskalkül von Straftätern beeinflussen, ist nicht zweifelsfrei zu bestimmen, ob eine Strafverschärfung tatsächlich die erwünschten Wirkungen hervorbringt. Aus ökonomischer Sicht spricht eine Reihe von Gründen gegen die Überlegung, dass höhere Strafen zwangsläufig zu einem Absinken des Korruptionsniveaus führen. Unter Bezugnahme auf die zeitliche Dimension der Bestrafung wird ferner gezeigt, dass das Vorziehen von Zwangsmaßnahmen eine Alternative zur Strafverschärfung darstellt. Da Menschen weiter in der Zukunft liegende Auszahlungen geringer gewichten als unmittelbar bevorstehende Auszahlungen, zeigen Sanktionen umso mehr Wirkung, je früher sie auf das strafbare Verhalten erfolgen. Berücksichtigt man zudem Beobachtungen aus der empirischen Sozialforschung, wonach Personen weit in der Zukunft liegende Auszahlungen stark diskontieren, so ist zu vermuten, dass von einer Anhebung der Verurteilungswahrscheinlichkeit und einer frühzeitigen Bestrafung eine stärkere Präventivwirkung ausgeht als von einer Strafverschärfung. Abstract The article discusses the question, to what extent harder sanctions are suitable to reduce the amount of corruption. Punishments affect the decision of potential offenders in various ways. Therefore it seems doubtful if an aggravation of penalty really causes the desired effects. From economic view a set of reasons speaks against the consideration that higher punishments lead inevitably to dropping the corruption level. With reference to the temporal dimension of the punishment it is furthermore shown, that earlier punishment represents an alternative to the aggravation of penalty. Since humans weigh future payments lower than immediate payments, sanctions have more effect the sooner the sanctions take place. Considering the results of empirical investigations, which show that people devalue future payments relatively strong, it could be assumed, that an immediate punishment and an increased certainty of punishment causes a stronger deterrent effect than an increased severity of sanction