Polyamine-Rich Diet Elevates Blood Spermine Levels and Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory Status: An Interventional Study.

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Gerontology
• Immunology

Background:

• Diets rich in polyamines, such as spermidine and spermine, are linked to positive health outcomes.
• Polyamines have demonstrated anti-aging effects in animal models, including lifespan extension and suppression of inflammation and aberrant gene methylation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of increased dietary polyamine intake on human health markers.
• To assess the impact of consuming polyamine-rich natto on blood polyamine levels and immune cell function in healthy males.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month intervention study involving 30 healthy males consuming natto, with 27 males serving as a control group.
• Measurements included blood polyamine levels (spermine, spermidine) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) expression on immune cells.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly increased blood spermine levels compared to the control group.
• A gradual decrease in LFA-1 on monocytes was observed in the intervention group, inversely associated with spermine levels.
• Increased dietary polyamine intake was associated with a reduced likelihood of elevated LFA-1, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.

Conclusions:

• Dietary polyamine intake, exemplified by natto consumption, can elevate blood spermine levels in humans.
• The findings suggest that dietary polyamines may contribute to human health and longevity by modulating inflammatory markers and potentially gene methylation.