Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113035
Jay Barolo , Douglas Mitchell , Francesca E. Wade
Dual-task walking, performing a secondary task while walking, challenges attentional and motor resources and has been linked to increased fall risk. While cognitive dual tasks are most often studied, physical (e.g., load carriage) and “combination” tasks such as obstacle crossing may also impact gait. Whole-body angular momentum and its variability provide sensitive markers of locomotor stability. We investigated how dual-task type influences gait mechanics and stability in younger and older adults.
Sixteen adults (18–80 years) completed four treadmill conditions at preferred walking speed: baseline walking (PWS), walking while talking (WWT), box carriage (BOX, 15 lb), and obstacle crossing (OBS). Spatiotemporal measures, trailing limb angle (TLA), and whole-body angular momentum in frontal and sagittal planes were computed. Mixed-model ANOVAs and statistical parametric mapping assessed trial and age effects.
Dual tasks altered spatiotemporal gait. BOX and OBS reduced step length, and OBS also shortened step time and reduced late-stance TLA. OBS elicited consistently greater variability in step length, width, time, double-support, and whole body angular momentum in both planes (all p < .01). Older adults took shorter steps and longer double support, with age × task interactions observed in these metrics.
Obstacle crossing imposed the greatest locomotor challenge, producing significant changes in TLA, whole body angular momentum, and variability, whereas cognitive and load carriage tasks induced smaller deviations. Findings highlight the importance of incorporating ecologically relevant “combination” tasks into gait assessment and demonstrate the utility of time-series analyses for detecting phase-specific disruptions to locomotor stability.
{"title":"Effect of cognitive and motor dual-task on stability and variability of walking in younger and older adults","authors":"Jay Barolo , Douglas Mitchell , Francesca E. Wade","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dual-task walking, performing a secondary task while walking, challenges attentional and motor resources and has been linked to increased fall risk. While cognitive dual tasks are most often studied, physical (e.g., load carriage) and “combination” tasks such as obstacle crossing may also impact gait. Whole-body angular momentum and its variability provide sensitive markers of locomotor stability. We investigated how dual-task type influences gait mechanics and stability in younger and older adults.</div><div>Sixteen adults (18–80 years) completed four treadmill conditions at preferred walking speed: baseline walking (PWS), walking while talking (WWT), box carriage (BOX, 15 lb), and obstacle crossing (OBS). Spatiotemporal measures, trailing limb angle (TLA), and whole-body angular momentum in frontal and sagittal planes were computed. Mixed-model ANOVAs and statistical parametric mapping assessed trial and age effects.</div><div>Dual tasks altered spatiotemporal gait. BOX and OBS reduced step length, and OBS also shortened step time and reduced late-stance TLA. OBS elicited consistently greater variability in step length, width, time, double-support, and whole body angular momentum in both planes (all <em>p</em> < .01). Older adults took shorter steps and longer double support, with age × task interactions observed in these metrics.</div><div>Obstacle crossing imposed the greatest locomotor challenge, producing significant changes in TLA, whole body angular momentum, and variability, whereas cognitive and load carriage tasks induced smaller deviations. Findings highlight the importance of incorporating ecologically relevant “combination” tasks into gait assessment and demonstrate the utility of time-series analyses for detecting phase-specific disruptions to locomotor stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113035"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145979554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113034
Dong Liu , Hongyan Yang , Xiangqian Feng , Mingliang Hou , Xiaoyan Fu , Xiaoxiong Li , Wenjuan Hong , Le Chen , Jinping Li , Linqiu Ma , Qirong Liao , Yating Liu , Jing Lu , Donglin Wang , Huadong Zhou , Rui Zhou
Background
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and osteoporosis are common age-related degenerative diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition may contribute to the pathogenesis of both conditions. This study investigated whether probucol could alleviate AD-associated bone loss and Aβ42-induced osteoblast dysfunction, and further explored the underlying mechanisms.
Methods
Female mice were divided into four groups (n = 5 per group): C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), WT treated with probucol (WT + PBC), APP/PS1 transgenic (AD) mice, and AD treated with probucol (AD+PBC). Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by micro-CT. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) along with bone metabolism markers including fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), sclerostin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in bone and brain tissues were measured by ELISA. FOXO3a was knocked down in the bone marrow of APP/PS1 mice via stereotactic injection of lentiviral vectors. Expression of APP and FOXO3a in bone tissue was evaluated using RT-qPCR and Western blotting (WB). Mitochondrial damage in osteoblasts and neuronal cells was assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro study, osteoblast differentiation and mineralization deficits were evaluated using Alizarin Red staining. WB was used to measure the expression of AKT, FOXO3a, autophagy and apoptosis related proteins.
Results
Probucol attenuated bone loss and mitochondrial damage in both APP/PS1 and FOXO3a-knockdown APP/PS1 mice, and improved cognitive impairment and neuronal ultrastructure in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, probucol attenuated Aβ42-induced osteoblast differentiation and mineralization via the AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway in vitro.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that probucol ameliorates AD-associated bone loss and Aβ42-induced osteoblast impairments by regulating AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.
{"title":"Probucol attenuates bone loss in APP/PS1 mice and ameliorates Aβ42-induced osteoblast dysfunction by regulating AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway","authors":"Dong Liu , Hongyan Yang , Xiangqian Feng , Mingliang Hou , Xiaoyan Fu , Xiaoxiong Li , Wenjuan Hong , Le Chen , Jinping Li , Linqiu Ma , Qirong Liao , Yating Liu , Jing Lu , Donglin Wang , Huadong Zhou , Rui Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113034","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113034","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Alzheimer's disease (AD) and osteoporosis are common age-related degenerative diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition may contribute to the pathogenesis of both conditions. This study investigated whether probucol could alleviate AD-associated bone loss and Aβ42-induced osteoblast dysfunction, and further explored the underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Female mice were divided into four groups (<em>n</em> = 5 per group): C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), WT treated with probucol (WT + PBC), APP/PS1 transgenic (AD) mice, and AD treated with probucol (AD+PBC). Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by micro-CT. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) along with bone metabolism markers including fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), sclerostin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in bone and brain tissues were measured by ELISA. FOXO3a was knocked down in the bone marrow of APP/PS1 mice via stereotactic injection of lentiviral vectors. Expression of APP and FOXO3a in bone tissue was evaluated using RT-qPCR and Western blotting (WB). Mitochondrial damage in osteoblasts and neuronal cells was assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro study, osteoblast differentiation and mineralization deficits were evaluated using Alizarin Red staining. WB was used to measure the expression of AKT, FOXO3a, autophagy and apoptosis related proteins.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Probucol attenuated bone loss and mitochondrial damage in both APP/PS1 and FOXO3a-knockdown APP/PS1 mice, and improved cognitive impairment and neuronal ultrastructure in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, probucol attenuated Aβ42-induced osteoblast differentiation and mineralization via the AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway in vitro.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings demonstrate that probucol ameliorates AD-associated bone loss and Aβ42-induced osteoblast impairments by regulating AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113034"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145986109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-11DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113029
Chaoran Liu , Hui Shen , Kai Zhang , Xiumei Zhang , Rui Wang , Ninghua Wang
Background
Skeletal muscle deterioration accelerates with age, leading to muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Musculoskeletal ultrasound as a nonradiative, inexpensive, and portable tool, has potential to evaluate age-related muscle changes. This study aims to detect age-related muscle features based on muscle texture analysis and machine learning approach, and to investigate muscle features that are related to function.
Methods
Healthy adults were recruited and divided into young, middle-aged, and older groups. 3 muscle architecture and 154 texture features were extracted from transverse (T) and longitudinal (L) ultrasonic images of muscle. Reliability analysis of all texture features was performed. Support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) was utilized to identify age-related muscle parameters. Muscle features as contributors of muscle function measured by 4 performance tests were detected.
Results
113 participants were recruited. The inter-rater and test-retest reliability showed that 44 muscle ultrasonography texture features were reliable. Among them, 9 features including gray variance-T, 0°short run low gray-level emphasis-T, inertia-L, 0°short run emphasis-T, gray variance-L, gray average-L, 0°run percentage-T, 45°energy-T, and 0°low gray-level run emphasis-L could be used to classify young and older groups with the accuracy of 94.04%, and sensitivity of 93.33% by SVM-RFE. In the multivariate analysis, 3 texture features contributed to functional performance. Gradient mean variance has the highest predictive value.
Conclusion
Texture analysis combined with machine learning could provide non-invasive biomarkers to classify muscles of young and old individuals, and assist in function prediction.
{"title":"Muscle ultrasonography texture in young, middle-aged, and older people and its association with functional performance: A machine learning-based study","authors":"Chaoran Liu , Hui Shen , Kai Zhang , Xiumei Zhang , Rui Wang , Ninghua Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Skeletal muscle deterioration accelerates with age, leading to muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Musculoskeletal ultrasound as a nonradiative, inexpensive, and portable tool, has potential to evaluate age-related muscle changes. This study aims to detect age-related muscle features based on muscle texture analysis and machine learning approach, and to investigate muscle features that are related to function.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Healthy adults were recruited and divided into young, middle-aged, and older groups. 3 muscle architecture and 154 texture features were extracted from transverse (T) and longitudinal (L) ultrasonic images of muscle. Reliability analysis of all texture features was performed. Support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) was utilized to identify age-related muscle parameters. Muscle features as contributors of muscle function measured by 4 performance tests were detected.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>113 participants were recruited. The inter-rater and test-retest reliability showed that 44 muscle ultrasonography texture features were reliable. Among them, 9 features including gray variance-T, 0°short run low gray-level emphasis-T, inertia-L, 0°short run emphasis-T, gray variance-L, gray average-L, 0°run percentage-T, 45°energy-T, and 0°low gray-level run emphasis-L could be used to classify young and older groups with the accuracy of 94.04%, and sensitivity of 93.33% by SVM-RFE. In the multivariate analysis, 3 texture features contributed to functional performance. Gradient mean variance has the highest predictive value.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Texture analysis combined with machine learning could provide non-invasive biomarkers to classify muscles of young and old individuals, and assist in function prediction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113029"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113030
Xiaoying Ren , Yong Tian , Juan Tian , Guang Wang , Jia Liu
Background
Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a progressive disorder resulting from the intricate interactions among obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Remnant cholesterol (RC) has been shown to be associated with the risk of CKM syndrome progression. However, the combined effects of RC and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) on CKM syndrome progression remain unclear. This study evaluated the association between the remnant cholesterol inflammatory index (RCII) and CKM progression risk.
Methods
Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analyzed. Logistic regression models were employed to investigate the association between the baseline RCII and advanced CKM stages. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to assess the cumulative incidence of CVD across RCII quartiles in individuals with CKM stages 0–3. Cox regression models were used to examine the associations of the baseline RCII and cumulative RCII (CumRCII) with the risk of new-onset CVD among individuals with CKM stages 0–3.
Results
In the baseline analysis, each standard deviation (SD) increase in the RCII was associated with a 26% greater risk of advanced CKM stages (odds ratio (OR): 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20–1.34). During the 7-year follow-up, 1483 (21.5%) participants with CKM stages 0–3 developed CVD. The cumulative incidence of CVD progressively increased across RCII quartiles, from 17.02% in Q1 to 25.75% in Q4. After full adjustment, compared with that in RCII Q1, CVD risk was 19% greater in RCII Q3 (hazard ratio (HR): 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02–1.39) and 29% greater in RCII Q4 (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11–1.51). Participants with CumRCII levels that exceeded 29.49 had a significantly increased risk of new-onset CVD (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.10–1.80).
Conclusions
Higher baseline RCII and CumRCII were associated with an increased CVD risk in participants with CKM stages 0–3. Early intervention in those with elevated RCII may help prevent CKM progression.
{"title":"Predictive value of remnant cholesterol inflammatory index for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome progression: A prospective cohort study","authors":"Xiaoying Ren , Yong Tian , Juan Tian , Guang Wang , Jia Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is a progressive disorder resulting from the intricate interactions among obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Remnant cholesterol (RC) has been shown to be associated with the risk of CKM syndrome progression. However, the combined effects of RC and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) on CKM syndrome progression remain unclear. This study evaluated the association between the remnant cholesterol inflammatory index (RCII) and CKM progression risk.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analyzed. Logistic regression models were employed to investigate the association between the baseline RCII and advanced CKM stages. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to assess the cumulative incidence of CVD across RCII quartiles in individuals with CKM stages 0–3. Cox regression models were used to examine the associations of the baseline RCII and cumulative RCII (CumRCII) with the risk of new-onset CVD among individuals with CKM stages 0–3.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the baseline analysis, each standard deviation (SD) increase in the RCII was associated with a 26% greater risk of advanced CKM stages (odds ratio (OR): 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20–1.34). During the 7-year follow-up, 1483 (21.5%) participants with CKM stages 0–3 developed CVD. The cumulative incidence of CVD progressively increased across RCII quartiles, from 17.02% in Q1 to 25.75% in Q4. After full adjustment, compared with that in RCII Q1, CVD risk was 19% greater in RCII Q3 (hazard ratio (HR): 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02–1.39) and 29% greater in RCII Q4 (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11–1.51). Participants with CumRCII levels that exceeded 29.49 had a significantly increased risk of new-onset CVD (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.10–1.80).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Higher baseline RCII and CumRCII were associated with an increased CVD risk in participants with CKM stages 0<strong>–</strong>3. Early intervention in those with elevated RCII may help prevent CKM progression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113030"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145954737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113031
Shishuang zhang , Han Gao , Yaru Liu , Yongle Zhi , Yu Du
Objectives
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a prevalent neurological disorder with significant health and socio-economic burdens. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) systematically assesses the proinflammatory characteristics of dietary patterns. This study aimed to elucidate the complex relationships among DII, biological aging, and PN, and to deepen the understanding of the potential factors driving these associations, thereby providing novel insights for prevention and clinical intervention.
Methods
This study investigated the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 data. The linear association between DII and PN was assessed using binary logistic regression, while restricted cubic splines were employed to evaluate potential nonlinear relationships. Furthermore, mediation analysis was conducted to quantify the contribution of biological age in this association.
Results
This study enrolled and analyzed 7860 participants. DII revealed a significant correlation with the prevalence of PN (the odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.30, p < 0.001). A J-shaped nonlinear association was identified between DII and the PN (p = 0.0079), with an inflection point at 1.295. Beyond this threshold, OR significantly increased to 1.16 (95% CI: 1.03–1.30). Biological age contributed to 19.95% of the total association between DII and PN.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates a J-shaped association between DII and PN, which is partially accounted for by biological aging. These findings provide a new perspective for preventing PN through a low-inflammation diet.
目的:周围神经病变(PN)是一种常见的神经系统疾病,具有显著的健康和社会经济负担。膳食炎症指数(DII)系统地评估饮食模式的促炎特征。本研究旨在阐明DII、生物衰老和PN之间的复杂关系,并加深对驱动这些关联的潜在因素的理解,从而为预防和临床干预提供新的见解。方法:对1999-2004年全国健康与营养调查资料进行调查。使用二元逻辑回归评估DII和PN之间的线性关联,而限制三次样条则用于评估潜在的非线性关系。此外,还进行了中介分析,以量化生物年龄在这种关联中的作用。结果:本研究招募并分析了7860名参与者。DII与PN患病率有显著相关性(比值比[OR] = 1.07,95%可信区间[CI]: 1.03-1.30, p )结论:本研究表明DII与PN之间呈j型相关,其中部分与生物衰老有关。这些发现为通过低炎症饮食预防PN提供了新的视角。
{"title":"The association between dietary inflammation index and peripheral neuropathy: Insights into the role of biological aging from a cross-sectional NHANES study","authors":"Shishuang zhang , Han Gao , Yaru Liu , Yongle Zhi , Yu Du","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a prevalent neurological disorder with significant health and socio-economic burdens. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) systematically assesses the proinflammatory characteristics of dietary patterns. This study aimed to elucidate the complex relationships among DII, biological aging, and PN, and to deepen the understanding of the potential factors driving these associations, thereby providing novel insights for prevention and clinical intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study investigated the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 data. The linear association between DII and PN was assessed using binary logistic regression, while restricted cubic splines were employed to evaluate potential nonlinear relationships. Furthermore, mediation analysis was conducted to quantify the contribution of biological age in this association.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study enrolled and analyzed 7860 participants. DII revealed a significant correlation with the prevalence of PN (the odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.30, <em>p</em> < 0.001). A J-shaped nonlinear association was identified between DII and the PN (<em>p</em> = 0.0079), with an inflection point at 1.295. Beyond this threshold, OR significantly increased to 1.16 (95% CI: 1.03–1.30). Biological age contributed to 19.95% of the total association between DII and PN.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study demonstrates a J-shaped association between DII and PN, which is partially accounted for by biological aging. These findings provide a new perspective for preventing PN through a low-inflammation diet.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113031"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145961082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113032
Sarah Damanti , Clara Sciorati , Amanda Avola , Rebecca De Lorenzo , Maria Pia Ruggiero , Simona Santoro , Eleonora Senini , Marco Messina , Francesca Farina , Costanza Festorazzi , Giulia Pata , Martina Laffranchi , Martina Mallus , Elena Brioni , Lorena Citterio , Laura Zagato , Marco Simonini , Chiara Lanzani , Paolo Manunta , Angelo Manfredi , Patrizia Rovere-Querini
Background
Malnutrition is a prevalent geriatric syndrome, with multifactorial etiology and consequences for health and independence. Inflammation contributes to nutritional decline, yet conventional inflammatory markers often lack sensitivity for identifying malnutrition risk. The soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE), a modulator of inflammatory responses, has emerged as a biomarker of disease risk and adverse outcomes in various conditions.
Objectives
to evaluate the association between circulating sRAGE levels and nutritional status in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods
This prospective observational study was conducted within the FRASNET cohort. Fifty-two community-dwelling older adults underwent multidimensional geriatric assessments during two time periods: 2017–2020 and 2023–2024. Serum sRAGE levels were measured at both timepoints. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Associations between sRAGE and clinical parameters were evaluated through linear regression models adjusted for age and sex. The diagnostic performance of sRAGE in identifying malnutrition was assessed using ROC curve analysis.
Results
Higher baseline sRAGE levels were significantly associated with lower BMI (β = −0.003, p = 0.036), reduced calf circumference (β = −0.002, p = 0.04), and poorer nutritional status as revealed by MNA-SF scores (β = −0.001, p = 0.03) at follow-up. Associations were more pronounced in women. ROC analysis indicated good diagnostic accuracy for identifying malnutrition risk, with an AUC of 0.85. The optimal sRAGE cut-off value for malnutrition risk was 1362.5 pg/ml.
Conclusions
Higher sRAGE levels were prospectively associated with poorer nutritional outcomes in older adults, particularly in women. sRAGE may aid early identification of inflammation-related malnutrition risk.
{"title":"Unmasking malnutrition through soluble RAGE: A biomarker-guided insight from FRASNET","authors":"Sarah Damanti , Clara Sciorati , Amanda Avola , Rebecca De Lorenzo , Maria Pia Ruggiero , Simona Santoro , Eleonora Senini , Marco Messina , Francesca Farina , Costanza Festorazzi , Giulia Pata , Martina Laffranchi , Martina Mallus , Elena Brioni , Lorena Citterio , Laura Zagato , Marco Simonini , Chiara Lanzani , Paolo Manunta , Angelo Manfredi , Patrizia Rovere-Querini","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Malnutrition is a prevalent geriatric syndrome, with multifactorial etiology and consequences for health and independence. Inflammation contributes to nutritional decline, yet conventional inflammatory markers often lack sensitivity for identifying malnutrition risk. The soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE), a modulator of inflammatory responses, has emerged as a biomarker of disease risk and adverse outcomes in various conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>to evaluate the association between circulating sRAGE levels and nutritional status in community-dwelling older adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This prospective observational study was conducted within the FRASNET cohort. Fifty-two community-dwelling older adults underwent multidimensional geriatric assessments during two time periods: 2017–2020 and 2023–2024. Serum sRAGE levels were measured at both timepoints. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Associations between sRAGE and clinical parameters were evaluated through linear regression models adjusted for age and sex. The diagnostic performance of sRAGE in identifying malnutrition was assessed using ROC curve analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Higher baseline sRAGE levels were significantly associated with lower BMI (β = −0.003, <em>p</em> = 0.036), reduced calf circumference (β = −0.002, <em>p</em> = 0.04), and poorer nutritional status as revealed by MNA-SF scores (β = −0.001, p = 0.03) at follow-up. Associations were more pronounced in women. ROC analysis indicated good diagnostic accuracy for identifying malnutrition risk, with an AUC of 0.85. The optimal sRAGE cut-off value for malnutrition risk was 1362.5 pg/ml.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Higher sRAGE levels were prospectively associated with poorer nutritional outcomes in older adults, particularly in women. sRAGE may aid early identification of inflammation-related malnutrition risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113032"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145961037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113028
Beatrice Arosio , Anna Picca
The muscle–brain axis integrates peripheral metabolic activity with central nervous system function. Among the endocrine signaling molecules regulating such crosstalk, the peptide hormone irisin released during muscle contraction seems to play relevant roles. Irisin is generated by the proteolytic cleavage of the fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 and has emerged as a key regulator of neurotrophic and metabolic adaptation. Although initially described as a myokine, irisin is also expressed in adipose and neural tissues, acting through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms. Irisin binds to the αV/β5 integrin receptor complex and activates a network of signaling pathways which promote mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, oxidative stress resistance, and modulation of inflammatory responses. Within the central nervous system, irisin induces brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and contributes to synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and cognitive preservation. Experimental models show that irisin reduces amyloid burden, limits α-synuclein pathology, suppresses neuroinflammation, and stabilizes blood–brain barrier integrity, supporting a disease-modifying role in neurodegenerative conditions. In skeletal muscle, irisin stimulates myogenesis, enhances anabolic signaling, and improves metabolic efficiency, suggesting broader relevance for sarcopenia and age-related metabolic decline. Herein, we discuss irisin as a promising biomarker and a candidate therapeutic target for disorders characterized by concurrent muscle deterioration and cognitive impairment.
{"title":"Irisin and the muscle–brain axis: Mechanisms and translational potential","authors":"Beatrice Arosio , Anna Picca","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The muscle–brain axis integrates peripheral metabolic activity with central nervous system function. Among the endocrine signaling molecules regulating such crosstalk, the peptide hormone irisin released during muscle contraction seems to play relevant roles. Irisin is generated by the proteolytic cleavage of the fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 and has emerged as a key regulator of neurotrophic and metabolic adaptation. Although initially described as a myokine, irisin is also expressed in adipose and neural tissues, acting through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms. Irisin binds to the αV/β5 integrin receptor complex and activates a network of signaling pathways which promote mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, oxidative stress resistance, and modulation of inflammatory responses. Within the central nervous system, irisin induces brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and contributes to synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and cognitive preservation. Experimental models show that irisin reduces amyloid burden, limits α-synuclein pathology, suppresses neuroinflammation, and stabilizes blood–brain barrier integrity, supporting a disease-modifying role in neurodegenerative conditions. In skeletal muscle, irisin stimulates myogenesis, enhances anabolic signaling, and improves metabolic efficiency, suggesting broader relevance for sarcopenia and age-related metabolic decline. Herein, we discuss irisin as a promising biomarker and a candidate therapeutic target for disorders characterized by concurrent muscle deterioration and cognitive impairment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113028"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113025
ShuWen Zhang , Jing Du , Dilimulati Aikeremu , ZhanBin Ma , Hao Wang
Senescence of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in degenerative intervertebral discs is related to the development and progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The aim of this study was to establish a reliable and robust cell senescent model using D-galactose (D-Gal) to induce oxidative stress in NPCs. NPCs were isolated from Sprague Dawley rats and incubated with increasing concentrations of D-Gal. Cell viability, cell cycle, senescence-associated markers, and extracellular matrix were detected to evaluate the effect of D-Gal on NPCs. The migration and polarization of macrophage were observed by Transwell assay and flow cytometry. Finally, the oxidative stress mechanism of D-Gal induced NPCs senescence was analyzed by flow cytometry and absorbance analysis. Cell viability and cell cycle analyses revealed that D-Gal induced senescence by blocking DNA synthesis and decreasing NPC proliferation. Furthermore, a dose-dependent increase was observed in senescence-associated makers in D-Gal induced NPCs. RT-qPCR analysis revealed an increase in mRNA expression of key senescence related secretory phenotype (SASP) components. Extracellular matrix was significantly decreased along with cell senescence. Transwell assay and flow cytometry revealed that senescent NPC-conditioned medium triggered macrophage migration and polarization. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), advanced glycation end products, and the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde, along with decreased superoxide dismutase activity, were associated with the senescence of NPCs induced by D-Gal. The data imply that D-Gal treatment successfully triggered senescence in NPCs and SASP switch, establishing it as a reliable model for studying IVDD.
{"title":"D-Galactose induces the senescence and senescence-related secretory phenotype switch of nucleus pulposus cells","authors":"ShuWen Zhang , Jing Du , Dilimulati Aikeremu , ZhanBin Ma , Hao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Senescence of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in degenerative intervertebral discs is related to the development and progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The aim of this study was to establish a reliable and robust cell senescent model using D-galactose (D-Gal) to induce oxidative stress in NPCs. NPCs were isolated from Sprague Dawley rats and incubated with increasing concentrations of D-Gal. Cell viability, cell cycle, senescence-associated markers, and extracellular matrix were detected to evaluate the effect of D-Gal on NPCs. The migration and polarization of macrophage were observed by Transwell assay and flow cytometry. Finally, the oxidative stress mechanism of D-Gal induced NPCs senescence was analyzed by flow cytometry and absorbance analysis. Cell viability and cell cycle analyses revealed that D-Gal induced senescence by blocking DNA synthesis and decreasing NPC proliferation. Furthermore, a dose-dependent increase was observed in senescence-associated makers in D-Gal induced NPCs. RT-qPCR analysis revealed an increase in mRNA expression of key senescence related secretory phenotype (SASP) components. Extracellular matrix was significantly decreased along with cell senescence. Transwell assay and flow cytometry revealed that senescent NPC-conditioned medium triggered macrophage migration and polarization. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), advanced glycation end products, and the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde, along with decreased superoxide dismutase activity, were associated with the senescence of NPCs induced by D-Gal. The data imply that D-Gal treatment successfully triggered senescence in NPCs and SASP switch, establishing it as a reliable model for studying IVDD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113025"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145949124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113027
Junwan Fan , Ling Zhou , Run Song , Fuqiang Yang , Yingjie Geng , Xueyu Zhang , Qiuhua Yu , Zirui Li , Yan Wang , Wenyan He
The mass of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) decreases with age, and its dysfunction contributes to systemic effects, including chronic inflammation, ectopic lipid deposition, and insulin resistance. However, the molecular and functional characteristics of aged adipose progenitor cells (APCs), as well as effective strategies to rejuvenate their adipogenic potential, remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that aged mice exhibited a reduced frequency of APCs, increased inflammatory activity, and impaired adipogenic differentiation capacity. Strikingly, while quercetin exerted concentration-dependent effects on the vitality and function of APCs, only moderate doses specifically restored the adipogenic differentiation of aged APCs. Mechanistically, this rejuvenating effect was primarily mediated through the suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways. Together, our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into APCs aging in iWAT and identify quercetin as a promising rejuvenative agent for the treatment of adipose tissue dysfunction and related metabolic disorders in aging.
{"title":"Quercetin rejuvenates aged adipose progenitor cells by attenuating inflammatory pathways","authors":"Junwan Fan , Ling Zhou , Run Song , Fuqiang Yang , Yingjie Geng , Xueyu Zhang , Qiuhua Yu , Zirui Li , Yan Wang , Wenyan He","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The mass of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) decreases with age, and its dysfunction contributes to systemic effects, including chronic inflammation, ectopic lipid deposition, and insulin resistance. However, the molecular and functional characteristics of aged adipose progenitor cells (APCs), as well as effective strategies to rejuvenate their adipogenic potential, remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that aged mice exhibited a reduced frequency of APCs, increased inflammatory activity, and impaired adipogenic differentiation capacity. Strikingly, while quercetin exerted concentration-dependent effects on the vitality and function of APCs, only moderate doses specifically restored the adipogenic differentiation of aged APCs. Mechanistically, this rejuvenating effect was primarily mediated through the suppression of pro-inflammatory pathways. Together, our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into APCs aging in iWAT and identify quercetin as a promising rejuvenative agent for the treatment of adipose tissue dysfunction and related metabolic disorders in aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113027"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145949105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113026
Stefano Cacciatore , Riccardo Calvani , Konstantinos Prokopidis , Mathias Schlögl , Andrea Russo , Matteo Tosato , Stephen D. Anton , Christiaan Leeuwenburgh , John A. Batsis , Emanuele Marzetti , Francesco Landi
Background
Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to frailty and functional decline in aging. Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined as the composite of physical and mental reserves, complements frailty assessment by reflecting functional resilience. This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from the ilSIRENTE cohort to examine the relationship between IC–frailty phenotypes and systemic inflammation in community-dwelling octogenarians and identify IC domains most closely related to inflammatory burden.
Methods
IC was assessed across five domains (locomotion, cognition, vitality, psychological well-being, and sensory function), rescaled to a 0–100 range, and combined with frailty status to define four IC–frailty phenotypes (concordant frail, discordant low IC, discordant high IC, concordant robust). Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured, and a composite inflammatory burden score (0–3) was derived.
Results
The analysis included 311 participants (mean age 85.4 ± 4.7 years, 66.6 % women). Median CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels increased progressively from concordant robust to concordant frail groups (p < 0.01). In the fully adjusted model, concordant frail participants had higher inflammation compared with concordant robust (β = 0.71; 95 % CI 0.04–1.37; p = 0.03), while discordant high IC and discordant low IC showed intermediate values without statistical significance. A significant linear trend was observed across ordered phenotypes (β per category increment = 0.21, 95 % CI 0.06 to 0.37). Locomotion and vitality emerged as the domains most strongly linked to inflammation.
Conclusions
IC–frailty phenotypes show a biological gradient of subclinical inflammation, with higher IC having lower inflammation levels. Preserved locomotion reflects key functional correlates of resilience and vitality in advanced age.
背景:慢性低度炎症会导致衰老过程中的身体虚弱和功能下降。内在能力(Intrinsic capacity, IC)被定义为身体和心理储备的综合体,通过反映功能弹性来补充脆弱性评估。本横断面分析使用来自ilSIRENTE队列的基线数据来检查社区居住的80岁老人IC脆弱表型与全身性炎症之间的关系,并确定与炎症负担最密切相关的IC结构域。方法通过五个领域(运动、认知、活力、心理健康和感觉功能)评估sic,重新调整到0-100的范围,并结合虚弱状态定义四种IC脆弱表型(和谐体弱、不和谐低IC、不和谐高IC、和谐健壮)。检测血浆c反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素-6 (IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α (TNF-α),得出炎症负荷综合评分(0-3)。结果共纳入311例患者(平均年龄85.4±4.7岁,66.6%为女性)。中位CRP、IL-6和TNF-α水平从健康组到虚弱组逐渐升高(p < 0.01)。在完全调整后的模型中,一致性虚弱的受试者比一致性健壮的受试者有更高的炎症(β = 0.71; 95% CI 0.04-1.37; p = 0.03),而不一致性高IC和不一致性低IC显示中间值,无统计学意义。在有序表型之间观察到显著的线性趋势(每类别增量β = 0.21, 95% CI 0.06至0.37)。运动和活力是与炎症最密切相关的领域。结论IC脆弱表型具有亚临床炎症的生物学梯度,IC高,炎症水平低。保持运动反映了老年人的弹性和活力的关键功能相关。
{"title":"Intrinsic capacity–frailty phenotypes and subclinical inflammation in community-dwelling octogenarians: A cross-sectional analysis from the ilSIRENTE study","authors":"Stefano Cacciatore , Riccardo Calvani , Konstantinos Prokopidis , Mathias Schlögl , Andrea Russo , Matteo Tosato , Stephen D. Anton , Christiaan Leeuwenburgh , John A. Batsis , Emanuele Marzetti , Francesco Landi","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2026.113026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to frailty and functional decline in aging. Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined as the composite of physical and mental reserves, complements frailty assessment by reflecting functional resilience. This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from the ilSIRENTE cohort to examine the relationship between IC–frailty phenotypes and systemic inflammation in community-dwelling octogenarians and identify IC domains most closely related to inflammatory burden.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>IC was assessed across five domains (locomotion, cognition, vitality, psychological well-being, and sensory function), rescaled to a 0–100 range, and combined with frailty status to define four IC–frailty phenotypes (concordant frail, discordant low IC, discordant high IC, concordant robust). Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured, and a composite inflammatory burden score (0–3) was derived.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis included 311 participants (mean age 85.4 ± 4.7 years, 66.6 % women). Median CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels increased progressively from concordant robust to concordant frail groups (<em>p</em> < 0.01). In the fully adjusted model, concordant frail participants had higher inflammation compared with concordant robust (β = 0.71; 95 % CI 0.04–1.37; <em>p</em> = 0.03), while discordant high IC and discordant low IC showed intermediate values without statistical significance. A significant linear trend was observed across ordered phenotypes (β per category increment = 0.21, 95 % CI 0.06 to 0.37). Locomotion and vitality emerged as the domains most strongly linked to inflammation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>IC–frailty phenotypes show a biological gradient of subclinical inflammation, with higher IC having lower inflammation levels. Preserved locomotion reflects key functional correlates of resilience and vitality in advanced age.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 113026"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}