Nutrition, diet and immunosenescence

Ageing is characterized by immunosenescence and the progressive decline in immunity in association with an increased frequency of infections and chronic disease. This complex process affects both the innate and adaptive immune systems with a progressive decline in most immune cell populations and defects in activation resulting in loss of function. Although host genetics and environmental factors, such as stress, exercise and diet can impact on the onset or course of immunosenescence, the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. This review focusses on identifying the most significant aspects of immunosenescence and on the evidence that nutritional intervention might delay this process, and consequently improve the quality of life of the elderly

The effects of baicalein and baicalin on mitochondrial function and dynamics: A review

Mitochondria play an essential role in cell survival by providing energy, calcium buffering, and regulating apoptosis. A growing body of evidence shows that mitochondrial dysfunction and its consequences, including impairment of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, and excitotoxicity, play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of different diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cancer. The therapeutical role of flavonoids on these diseases is gaining increasing acceptance. Numerous studies on experimental models have revealed the favorable role of flavonoids on mitochondrial function and structure. This review highlights the promising role of baicalin and its aglycone form, baicalein, on mitochondrial function and structure with a focus on its therapeutic effects. We also discuss their chemistry, sources and bioavailability

N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Resolution of Neuroinflammation

In the past few decades, as a result of their anti-inflammatory properties, n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs), have gained greater importance in the regulation of inflammation, especially in the central nervous system (in this case known as neuroinflammation). If sustained, neuroinflammation is a common denominator of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and major depression, and of aging. Hence, limiting neuroinflammation is a real strategy for neuroinflammatory disease therapy and treatment. Recent data show that n-3 LC-PUFAs exert anti-inflammatory properties in part through the synthesis of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) such as resolvins, maresins and protectins. These SPMs are crucially involved in the resolution of inflammation. They could be good candidates to resolve brain inflammation and to contribute to neuroprotective functions and could lead to novel therapeutics for brain inflammatory diseases. This review presents an overview 1) of brain n-3 LC-PUFAs as precursors of SPMs with an emphasis on the effect of n-3 PUFAs on neuroinflammation, 2) of the formation and action of SPMs in the brain and their biological roles, and the possible regulation of their synthesis by environmental factors such as inflammation and nutrition and, in particular, PUFA consumption

Schnellwachsende Baumarten - Chance fur zusatzliches Einkommen im landlichen Raum?

Based on previous experiences with the cultivation of short Rotation Coppice in Germany, the present article deals with the profitability of tree-plantations for bio-energy generation. The production process is divided into several steps in order to compare the resulting production costs with the associated revenues of potential users. As the cultivation of short rotating coppice in Germany is still in its experimental stage, the focus of this article is on the comparison of different production processes as well as on a critical evaluation of the available data base. The results show that with no government aid taken into account large scale cultivation can reach profitability only under very optimistic assumptions. Considering the necessary long term transaction-specific investments, a stable economic environment with secure sales is at least as important as financial aids. Ausgehend von den bisherigen Erfahrungen mit dem Anbau schnell wachsender Baumarten beschaftigt sich der vorliegende Artikel mit der Chance der kommerziellen Nutzung von Baumplantagen zur Erzeugung von Bioenergie in Deutschland. Hierzu wird die Produktion in einzelne Schritte gegliedert und monetar bewertet, um die daraus resultierenden Produktionskosten den moglichen Erlosen denkbarer Abnehmer entgegenzusetzen. Da der Anbau schnell wachsender Baumarten in Deutschland das Versuchsstadium noch nicht verlassen hat, liegt der Schwerpunkt auf dem Vergleich verschiedener Produktionsverfahren sowie einer kritischen Bewertung der verfügbaren Datengrundlage. Dabei zeigt sich, dass der Anbau in grossem Stil die staatliche Forderung einmal ausgeklammert nur bei sehr optimistischen Grundannahmen in die Nahe der Wirtschaftlichkeit ruckt. Zudem wird deutlich, dass auch finanzielle Hilfen ohne eine Planungssicherheit fur die notwendigen langfristigen und in hohem Masse faktorspezifischen Investitionen wenig bewirken werden. Schlusselworter: schnellwachsende baumarten, einkommensmoglichkeiten, erneuerbare energie, rentabilitat, landliche raumeshort rotation Coppice, farmers income, renewable energy, profitability, rural areas, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Farm Management, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Q23, R32,

Schnellwachsende Baumarten - Chance fur zusatzliches Einkommen im landlichen Raum?

Based on previous experiences with the cultivation of short Rotation Coppice in Germany, the present article deals with the profitability of tree-plantations for bio-energy generation. The production process is divided into several steps in order to compare the resulting production costs with the associated revenues of potential users. As the cultivation of short rotating coppice in Germany is still in its experimental stage, the focus of this article is on the comparison of different production processes as well as on a critical evaluation of the available data base. The results show that - with no government aid taken into account - large scale cultivation can reach profitability only under very optimistic assumptions. Considering the necessary long term transaction-specific investments, a stable economic environment with secure sales is at least as important as financial aids. Ausgehend von den bisherigen Erfahrungen mit dem Anbau schnell wachsender Baumarten beschaftigt sich der vorliegende Artikel mit der Chance der kommerziellen Nutzung von Baumplantagen zur Erzeugung von Bioenergie in Deutschland. Hierzu wird die Produktion in einzelne Schritte gegliedert und monetar bewertet, um die daraus resultierenden Produktionskosten den moglichen Erlosen denkbarer Abnehmer entgegenzusetzen. Da der Anbau schnell wachsender Baumarten in Deutschland das Versuchsstadium noch nicht verlassen hat, liegt der Schwerpunkt auf dem Vergleich verschiedener Produktionsverfahren sowie einer kritischen Bewertung der verfügbaren Datengrundlage. Dabei zeigt sich, dass der Anbau in grossem Stil - die staatliche Forderung einmal ausgeklammert - nur bei sehr optimistischen Grundannahmen in die Nahe der Wirtschaftlichkeit ruckt. Zudem wird deutlich, dass auch finanzielle Hilfen ohne eine Planungssicherheit fur die notwendigen langfristigen und in hohem Masse faktorspezifischen Investitionen wenig bewirken werden. Schlusselworter : schnellwachsende baumarten, einkommensmoglichkeiten, erneuerbare energie, rentabilitat, landliche raum