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Topic Review
Vegetarian Diets and Chronic Kidney Disease Complications
A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that higher consumption of plant-based foods and the nutrients found in vegetarian and plant-based diets are associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood pressure, glycemic control, lipid levels, body mass index, and acid–base parameters. Furthermore, there has been increasing recognition that vegetarian and plant-based diets may have potential salutary benefits in preventing the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). While increasing evidence shows that vegetarian and plant-based diets have nephroprotective effects, there remains some degree of uncertainty about their nutritional adequacy and safety in CKD (with respect to protein-energy wasting, hyperkalemia, etc.). 
  • 1.7K
  • 06 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Mental Health in Adults
High total intake of fruits and vegetables, and some of their specific subgroups including berries, citrus, and green leafy vegetables, may promote higher levels of optimism and self-efficacy, as well as reduce the level of psychological distress, ambiguity, and cancer fatalism, and protect against depressive symptoms. The general recommendation to consume at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day may be beneficial also for mental health.
  • 1.7K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Bioavailability of Sprout against Different Diseases
With the intake of plant sprouts, bioavailability has long been regarded as crucial. The bioavailability of phytochemicals in various sprout diets varies substantially depending on several parameters. Interindividual factors, including delivery mode, and even intraindividual biochemical variances and the makeup and function of the gut microbiota are all factors to consider.
  • 1.7K
  • 11 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Iodine in Thyroid Hormone Biosynthesis and Beyond
The main biological function of iodine concerns its role in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones (THs) by the thyroid gland. In addition, iodine is thought to represent one of the oldest antioxidants in living organisms. Moreover, iodine oxidation to hypoiodite (IO−) has been shown to possess strong bactericidal as well as antiviral and antifungal activity. Finally, and importantly, iodine has been demonstrated to exert antineoplastic effects in human cancer cell lines.
  • 1.7K
  • 13 Jan 2022
Topic Review
General Aspects of Magnesium in the Human Body
Magnesium is one of the most prominent cations in the human body, with distribution of its concentrations in both extracellular and intracellular areas. Magnesium, in both complex and ionized form, has critical relevance in metabolic functions and homeostasis, serving as a moderator in enzymatic processes. A first important aspect is the role of magnesium in the activation of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy source for cells. Magnesium improves muscle function by competitively binding to calcium sites and ensuring muscle relaxation.
  • 1.7K
  • 12 May 2022
Topic Review
Punicalagin in Cancer Prevention
Punicalagin, present in pomegranate, myrobalan, yellow wood, tropical almond, and pink rock-rose, belongs to ellagitannins - a subgroup of hydrolyzable tannins. In vitro studies, based on cell line experiments, have demonstrated punicalagin anti-cancer actions on human cervical, ovarian, breast, lung, thyroid, colorectal, central nervous system, bone, as well as other cancer types. Punicalagin seems to work through a redirection of signal-transduction pathways from survival and proliferation into cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence or autophagy (thus compromising neoplastic progression). However, since it readily undergoes hydrolysis releasing e.g. ellagic acid, these might be its products which are responsible for the observed effects. Moreover, when practical application of punicalagin in chemoprevention is addressed, its biotransformation in the human organism should be considered (including both host and microbiome enzymatic impact). Therefore, however promising punicalagin antineoplastic properties seem to be, in vivo-based research should be conducted before translating the results obtained from in vitro studies into practice.
  • 1.7K
  • 26 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Trace Minerals and Anxiety
Anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear or avoidance of perceived threats. Diet is a modifiable risk factor that may contribute to the pathogenesis or treatment of anxiety, depending on diet quality. Trace mineral treatments for the relief of anxiety have been investigated.
  • 1.7K
  • 12 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Super Foods Nutritional/Health Benefits
The advancement within the food and nutrition sector has resulted in the development of a special category of food, particularly referred to as “superfoods”. Superfoods are special kind of foods capable of exhibiting different positive effects involving prevention of different ailments, provide impetus to the immune system, and essential macro- and micro-nutrients in ample quantities. Nowadays, these are gaining considerable attention due to the increased health consciousness of consumers. In contrast to their exceptional health or even medicinal benefits, which are based on their long history of use, the concept of superfoods is still little understood. The category of superfoods mainly comprises different types of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.
  • 1.7K
  • 26 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Antidiabetic Properties of Curcumin II
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Current preventative and treatment approaches to insulin resistance and T2DM lack in efficacy, resulting in the need for new approaches to prevent and treat the disease. In recent years, epidemiological studies have suggested that diets rich in fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects, including protection against insulin resistance and T2DM. Curcumin, a polyphenol found in turmeric, and curcuminoids have been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and antidiabetic properties. Here we are summarizing the existing in vivo studies examining the antidiabetic effects of curcumin.
  • 1.7K
  • 29 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are non-digestible and structurally diverse complex carbohydrates that are highly abundant in human milk. To date, more than 200 different HMO structures have been identified. Their concentrations in human milk vary according to various factors such as lactation period, mother’s genetic secretor status, and length of gestation (term or preterm).
  • 1.7K
  • 26 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Nutrients and Cognitive Neurodevelopment
Proper nutrition is crucial for normal brain and neurocognitive development. Failure to optimise neurodevelopment early in life can have profound long-term implications for both mental health and quality of life. Although the first 1000 days of life represent the most critical period of neurodevelopment, the central and peripheral nervous systems continue to develop and change throughout life. Besides their individual contributions, the interaction of nutrients with other micro- and macronutrients and the way in which they are organised in the food matrix are all of crucial importance for normal neurocognitive development. Also the gut-brain axis, including the gut microbiota, is an important modifier in this respect.
  • 1.6K
  • 12 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Dietary Factors and Metabolic Endotoxemia
Metabolic endotoxemia is a condition in which blood lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels are elevated, regardless of the presence of obvious infection. It has been suggested to lead to chronic inflammation-related diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), pancreatitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • 1.6K
  • 25 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Natural Products for Alleviating Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease all over the world due to the obesity pandemic; currently, therapeutic options for NAFLD are scarce, except for diet recommendations and physical activity. NAFLD is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat deposits (>5%) in the liver with subsequent inflammation and fibrosis. Studies in the literature show that insulin resistance (IR) may be considered as the key mechanism in the onset and progression of NAFLD. Using natural products, for example, spirulina, oleuropein, garlic, berberine, resveratrol, curcumin, ginseng, glycyrrhizin, coffee, cocoa powder, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and bromelain, as an alternative approach in the treatment of NAFLD has drawn growing attention among physicians.
  • 1.6K
  • 06 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Vitamin K
Vitamin K has been recognized as a key factor for the synthesis of blood clotting factors in the liver, and is currently known to be involved in a wide range of biological processes and is associated with many pathological conditions.The most well-known function of vitamin K is as a cofactor for the γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) enzyme responsible for the post-translational modification of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) through the conversion of specific glutamic acid (Glu) into calcium binding γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) residues. Vitamin K deficiency has been linked to several pathological conditions such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), osteoarthritis (OA) , rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, cancer, dementia, certain skin pathologies, functional decline, and disability.  A new concept on the involvement of vitamin K in inflammation is growing. In fact, novel roles have been disclosed for vitamin K independent of its activity as a cofactor for GGCX, such as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, promoter of cognition, inhibition of tumor progression, and transcriptional regulator of osteoblastic genes. A growing number of studies has raised an increasing interest on the use of vitamin K as a health promoting supplement.  Aging societies represent a major economic challenge for health care systems, and diet supplements promoting healthy aging and improving the prognosis of age-related diseases, are required to be implemented in clinical practice.This work thoroughly reviews available data regarding differences between vitamin K1 and K2, contextualized with clinical aspects of vitamin K deficiency, including their sources, functions, target activity, and involvement in age-related diseases. Processes for the chemical and biological production of vitamin K1 and K2 will be briefly addressed. Additionally, novel sources with potential biotechnological application, and new formulations to improve vitamin K absorption and bioavailability are presented.
  • 1.6K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Anthocyanins and Hepatoprotection
Anthocyanins are water-soluble, colored compounds of the flavonoid class, abundantly found in the fruits, leaves, roots, and other parts of the plants. The fruit berries are prime sources and exhibit different colors. The anthocyanins utility as traditional medicament for liver protection and cure, and importance as strongest plants-based anti-oxidants have conferred these plants products different biological activities. These activities include anti-inflammation, liver protective, analgesic, and anti-cancers, which have provided the anthocyanins an immense commercial value, and has impelled their chemistry, biological activity, isolation, and quality investigations as prime focus. 
  • 1.6K
  • 11 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten is a protein contained in wheat, barley and rye and will be found in a variety of everyday food items. It allows doughs to be more elastic and pliable, this is why gluten-containing grains have been used in breads and other baked goods for many years. It can be difficult to actually know if you have intolerance to gluten as there may be little to no symptoms.  The study aims to discover if there are any correlations between gastric distress and severity of distress post gluten consumption and the variants in rs2305764 (MYO9B). The gene MYO9B encodes a member of the myosin family of actin-based molecular motor heavy chain proteins, polymorphisms in the genes are associated with celiac disease, ulcerative colitis and general autoimmunity. 89 female (24-43y/o) with no diagnosis of celiac disease were tested under a custom Illumina array in conjunction with Muhdo Health Ltd, this array analyses 1000 SNPs, one of which is rs2305764 that was read in the forward/forward orientation. Of these 21 had CC, 28 had CT and 40 had TT, there were no “no calls”.  The results show that 9.5% of those with CC (n=21) had some form of gastric distress post gluten intake, 32.1% of those with CT (n=28) had some form of gastric distress post gluten intake and 57.4% of those with TT (n=40) had some form of gastric distress post gluten intake. The average for all participants was 38.2%. On gastric distress the average score for the CC group was 2.5 (mild – somewhat uncomfortable), the average score for the CT group was 2.7 (mild – somewhat uncomfortable) and for the TT group was 5.2 (discomfort, some pain and distress).
  • 1.6K
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Caffeine
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is an alkaloid widely used to improve exercise performance.
  • 1.6K
  • 19 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Creatine in Health and Disease
Creatine has been mostly studied as an ergogenic aid for exercise, training, and sport, several health and potential therapeutic benefits have been reported. This is because creatine plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, particularly during metabolically stressed states, and limitations in the ability to transport and/or store creatine can impair metabolism. 
  • 1.6K
  • 10 Jun 2021
Topic Review
GSH/NO in Skeletal Muscle Physiology
Glutathione (GSH) is the main non-enzymatic antioxidant playing an important role in detoxification and signal transduction by modulation of protein thiols redox status and direct scavenging of radicals. The latter function is not only performed against reactive oxygen species (ROS) but GSH also has a fundamental role in buffering nitric oxide (NO), a physiologically-produced molecule having multifaceted functions. The efficient rate of GSH synthesis and high levels of GSH-dependent enzymes are characteristic features of healthy skeletal muscle where, besides the canonical functions, it is also involved in muscle contraction regulation. 
  • 1.6K
  • 03 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Lipid-Based Nanocarrier for Nutraceuticals Delivery
Nutraceuticals possess several health benefits and functions; however, most nutraceuticals are prone to degradation in the gastrointestinal environment and have poor bioavailability. Application of a novel carrier system is of increasing importance to overcome obstacles and provide efficient applicability. Lipid-based nanocarriers provide a large surface-to-mass ratio, enhanced intestinal absorption by solubilization in the intestinal milieu, intestinal lymphatic transport, and altering enterocyte-based transport.
  • 1.6K
  • 23 Sep 2021
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