Publications by authors named "Carsten Esselun"

Introduction: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulphur-containing organic compound, derived from octanoic acid, and an important cofactor for mitochondrial respiratory enzymes. It has strong antioxidant properties that improve mitochondrial function. We investigated if ALA improves mitochondrial dysfunction in a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

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(1) Background: Mitochondria are the cells' main source of energy. Mitochondrial dysfunction represents a key hallmark of aging and is linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Maintaining mitochondrial function might contribute to healthy aging and the prevention of AD.

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Age-related multifactorial diseases, such as the neurodegenerative Alzheimer's disease (AD), still remain a challenge to today's society. One mechanism associated with AD and aging in general is mitochondrial dysfunction (MD). Increasing MD is suggested to trigger other pathological processes commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

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(1) Background: Ellagitannins are natural products occurring in pomegranate and walnuts. They are hydrolyzed in the gut to release ellagic acid, which is further metabolized by the microflora into urolithins, such as urolithin A (UA). Accumulation of damaged mitochondria is a hallmark of aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

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Human nutrition plays an important role in prevention or at least slowing down the progression of age- and diet-related diseases. Thereby, mitochondrial dysfunction represents one common underlying mechanism, which is being investigated in mouse models. However, the influence of the selected diets in preclinical studies on cognition and mitochondrial function has not yet been reported cohesively.

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This in vivo study aimed to test if a diet enriched with 6% walnuts alone or in combination with physical activity supports healthy ageing by changing the oxylipin profile in brain and liver, improving motor function, cognition, and cerebral mitochondrial function. Female NMRI mice were fed a 6% walnut diet starting at an age of 12 months for 24 weeks. One group was additionally maintained in an enriched environment, one group without intervention served as control.

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Article Synopsis
  • * In a study with mice, diets were analyzed based on their n6-PUFA content, with one group receiving low n6 and another high n6, both supplemented with low or higher amounts of n3-PUFA like EPA or DHA.
  • * Results showed that combining n3-PUFA supplementation with a low n6 diet effectively improved n3-PUFA levels in tissues and blood, while the n6-low diet alone had minimal impact on arachidonic acid levels. *
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The Mediterranean plant L., commonly known as milk thistle, has been used for centuries to treat liver disorders. The flavonolignan silibinin represents a natural antioxidant and the main bioactive ingredient of silymarin (silybin), a standard extract of its seeds.

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