Research Roundup

Here are some highlights from recently published papers. 

Visual Illusion Effective In Relieving Knee Pain For People With Osteoarthritis

A study published in PeerJ looked at the mind-body connection in chronic pain. Participants with knee osteoarthritis were subjected to a visual illusion in which their knee joint and lower leg appeared elongated. This visual effect combined with touch provided a 40% reduction in pain, and the effect was optimal when the illusion was repeated multiple times. 

Takeaway: There is more to pain than physical factors, and mind-body techniques could prove to be effective and non-invasive pain relief tools.

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Dietary non-fermentable fiber prevents autoimmune neurological disease by changing gut metabolic and immune status

A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that dietary non-fermentable fiber in early adult life may help prevent autoimmune disease. 

The researchers used a spontaneous autoimmune encephalomyelitis (i.e. multiple sclerosis) mouse model, and fed them a non-fermentable fiber supplement, similar to what would be found in a vegetarian diet. 

The dietary fiber altered the gut microbiota and metabolism of the mice, with an increase in the abundance of long-chain fatty acids, which promoted autoimmune suppressive Th2 immune responses. 

Takeaway: Non-fermentable dietary fiber intake early in life may alter the gut microbiota in a way that helps prevent autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. 

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Intermittent Fasting May Be Center Of Increasing Lifespan

Intermittent fasting has previously been shown to be beneficial for increasing lifespan, however the precise mechanism was not known. In a study from Cell Metabolism, researchers have uncovered a potential mechanism. 

The researchers studied nematode worms and found that dietary restriction maintained the mitochondria in a fused state, which is associated with increased longevity. Furthermore, dietary restriction helped coordinate mitochondria with peroxisomes to promote fatty acid oxidation.

Takeaway: dietary restriction and intermittent fasting may enhance lifespan by maintaining mitochondrial networks in a fused state.