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Topic Review
Effects of Vitamin D on Satellite Cells
Vitamin D is a micronutrient that plays a role in the homeostasis of various body organs, including skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle growth and regeneration are critically affected by satellite cells, skeletal muscle stem cells. The discovery of vitamin D receptors on satellite cells supports the role of vitamin D in regulating satellite cell function. In vivo studies have shown the effect of vitamin D on skeletal muscle growth in early life, muscle homeostasis in aging, and skeletal muscle regeneration in conditions of muscle injury or chronic disease.
  • 1.2K
  • 10 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Impact of Resveratrol on Pregnancy Complications
Adverse pregnancy outcomes are considered significant health risks for pregnant women and their offspring during pregnancy and throughout their lifespan. Maternal dietary intake of polyphenolic antioxidants is linked to a reduced risk of maternal obesity and cardio-metabolic disorders, positively affecting both the fetus and offspring. The effect/s of the naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidant resveratrol on oxidative stress, inflammation, and other molecular and physiological phenomena associated with pregnancy and pregnancy conditions are discussed, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm labor.
  • 1.2K
  • 28 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Applications of Cactus Pear (Opuntia spp.) Peel
Cactus pear is the fruit of the nopal cactus, is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico and Mesoamerica and has spread to many regions. This fruit is commonly known as cactus pera fruit, prickly pear, tuna (Mexico), higo (Colombia) higo chumbo (Spain), fico d’India, figue de barbarie (France), among others. Cactus pear by-products are rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, pigments, fibers, polysaccharides and fatty acids. They can provide many health benefits such as inhibition and protection against free radicals, cytotoxic activity against some cancer cell lines as well as the reduction of atherosclerosis and glycaemia. However, many studies have been performed by using the pear peel for multiple purposes such as for pigment extraction a preservative for margarine, as snacks, a dietary supplement with hypoglycemic properties and in wastewater treatment.
  • 1.2K
  • 25 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Vitamin K in Preventing Osteoarthritis
Cartilage calcification impairs the function of knee joints. Vitamin K can prevent cartilage calcification by regulating the carboxylation of matrix proteins, such as matrix gla protein. Prevention of calcium crystal formation also suppresses inflammation cytokines production by joint tissues. 
  • 1.2K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Vitamin D and Glomerulonephritis
Vitamin D presents a plethora of different functions that go beyond its role in skeletal homeo-stasis. It is an efficient endocrine regulator of the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS) and erythropoiesis, exerts immunomodulatory effects, reduces the cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients, Vitamin D function is im-paired; the renal hydrolyzation of its inactive form by the action of 1α-hydroxylase declines at the same pace of reduced nephron mass. Moreover, Vitamin D major carrier, the D-binding pro-tein (DBP), is less represented due to Nephrotic Syndrome (NS), proteinuria, and the alteration of the cubilin–megalin–amnionless receptor complex in the renal proximal tubule. In Glomeru-lonephritis (GN), Vitamin D supplementation demonstrated to significantly reduce proteinuria and to slow kidney disease progression. It also has potent antiproliferative and immunomodu-lating functions, contributing to the inhibitions of kidney inflammation. Vitamin D preserves the structural integrity of the slit diaphragm guaranteeing protective effects on podocytes. Acti-vated Vitamin D has been demonstrated to potentiate the antiproteinuric effect of RAAS inhibi-tors in IgA nephropathy and Lupus Nephritis, enforcing its role in the treatment of glomerulo-nephritis: calcitriol treatment, through Vitamin D receptor (VDR) action, can regulate the hepa-ranase promoter activity and modulate the urokinase receptor (uPAR), guaranteeing podocyte preservation. It also controls the podocyte distribution by modulating mRNA synthesis and protein expression of nephrin and podocin. Maxalcalcitol is another promising alternative: it has about 1/600 affinity to vitamin D binding protein (DBP), compared to Calcitriol, overcoming the risk of hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and calcifications, and it circulates principally in un-bound form with easier availability for target tissues. Doxercalciferol, as well as paricalcitol, showed a lower incidence of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria than Calcitriol. Paricalcitol demonstrated a significant role in suppressing RAAS genes expression: it significantly decreases angiotensinogen, renin, renin receptors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA levels, thus reducing proteinuria and renal damage.
  • 1.2K
  • 11 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Moderate Alcohol Intake in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined by hepatic steatosis in the presence of alcohol intake within safe limits, defined by guidelines of scientific associations (usually 20 g or 2 units/day in women, 30 g or 3 units in men). The diagnosis is usually followed by medical counseling of total abstinence, in order to prevent disease progression. Old evidence regarding a possible safe and eventually beneficial effect of alcohol intake in NAFLD have however been extensively challenged by data suggesting a detrimental effects of alcohol on other organs and tissues, namely the cardiovascular system and cancer risk. Current guidelines support alcohol abstinence for individuals with NAFLD. 
  • 1.2K
  • 04 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Biological Mechanisms of Fresh Hass Avocado
Researchers identified four primary avocado health effects: (1) reducing cardiovascular disease risk in healthy overweight or obese adults with dyslipidemia by lowering non-HDL-C profiles, triglycerides, LDL oxidation, small atherogenic LDL particles and promoting postprandial vascular endothelial health for better peripheral blood flow; (2) lowering the risk of being overweight or obese, supporting weight loss, and reducing visceral fat tissue in overweight or obese women; (3) improving cognitive function in older normal-weight adults and in young to middle age overweight or obese adults especially in frontal cortex executive function; and (4) stimulating improved colonic microbiota health in overweight or obese adults by promoting healthier microflora and fecal metabolites.
  • 1.2K
  • 21 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Exposome Hypothesis in Obesity Pandemic
The obesity epidemic shows no signs of abatement. Genetics and overnutrition together with a dramatic decline in physical activity are the alleged main causes for this pandemic. While they undoubtedly represent the main contributors to the obesity problem, they are not able to fully explain all cases and current trends. A body of knowledge related to exposure to as yet underappreciated obesogenic factors, which can be referred to as the “exposome”, merits detailed analysis. Contrarily to the genome, the “exposome” is subject to a great dynamism and variability, which unfolds throughout the individual’s lifetime. 
  • 1.2K
  • 21 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Gut-Microbial Metabolites and Probiotics in Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a worldwide prevalent metabolic disorder defined by high blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance (IR) and impaired insulin secretion. Disturbances of gut microbiota have been widely found in T2D patients and contribute to the development of IR.
  • 1.2K
  • 01 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Hemp as a Functional Food in Vegetarian Nutrition
Many countries discriminate between recreational use (marijuana) and industrial and food use (hemp). The stalks of industrial hemp (low in psychotropic substances) have been used extensively for textile purposes while the seeds are nutritionally versatile. From hemp seeds, it is possible to obtain flours applicable in the bakery sector, oils rich in essential fatty acids, proteins with a high biological value and derivatives for fortification, supplementation and nutraceutical purposes. Hemp seed properties seem relevant for vegetarian diets, due to their high nutritional value and underestimated employment in the food sector. Hemp seed and their derivatives are a valuable source of protein, essential fatty acids and minerals that could provide additional benefit to vegetarian nutrition.
  • 1.2K
  • 28 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Collagen Hydrolysates
Collagen hydrolysates (CHs) are products with low molecular weight (MW) peptides, and are a result of industrialized processed collagen. Collagen extraction is often a by-product of the meat industry, with the main source for collagen-based products being bovine, although it can also be obtained from porcine and piscine sources. CHs have demonstrated positive results in clinical trials related to joint health, such as decreased joint pain, increased mobility, and structural joint improvements. The bioactivity of CHs is primarily attributed to their bioactive peptide (BAP) content. However, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the digestion, bioavailability, and bioactivity of CH-derived BAPs, and how different CH products compare in that regard. 
  • 1.2K
  • 14 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Polyphenols against COVID-19 Cytokines storm
SARS-CoV-2 first emerged in China during late 2019 and rapidly spread all over the world. Alterations in the inflammatory cytokines pathway represent a strong signature during SARS-COV-2 infection and correlate with poor prognosis and severity of the illness. The hyper-activation of the immune system results in an acute severe systemic inflammatory response named cytokine release syndrome (CRS). No effective prophylactic or post-exposure treatments are available, although some anti-inflammatory compounds are currently in clinical trials. Studies of plant extracts and natural compounds show that polyphenols can play a beneficial role in the prevention and the progress of chronic diseases related to inflammation. The aim of this manuscript is to review the published background on the possible effectiveness of polyphenols to fight SARS-COV-2 infection, contributing to the reduction of inflammation. Here, some of the anti-inflammatory therapies are discussed and although great progress has been made though this year, there is no proven cytokine blocking agents for COVID currently used in clinical practice. In this regard, bioactive phytochemicals such as polyphenols may become promising tools to be used as adjuvants in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such nutrients, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, associated to classical anti-inflammatory drugs, could help in reducing the inflammation in patients with COVID-19.
  • 1.2K
  • 06 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Dietary Nitrate and the Maintenance of Oral Health
Nitrate (NO3) is the oxidative product of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrite (NO2). As soil content, NO3 is an essential substrate for all plant growth and provides, among other things, the nitrogen required for the synthesis of nitrogenous amino acids. It is taken up by the plant roots and originates either from the microbial decomposition of organic waste or from the activity of certain soil bacteria utilizing atmospheric nitrogen for the synthesis of ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Since available nitrate is the limiting factor for plant growth, it is deliberately added to the soil in agricultural crop production in the form of nitrate-containing fertilizers. Although the role of the oral microbiota as a key element in the alternative formation of NO2 and NO from nitrate-rich foods has been known for many years, it is surprisingly only in recent years that the therapeutic and preventive prospects of a nitrate-rich diet have attracted the interest of dental researchers.
  • 1.2K
  • 10 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Gluten Detection Methods
Celiac disease, wheat sensitivity, and allergy represent three different reactions, which may occur in genetically predisposed individuals on the ingestion of wheat and derived products with various manifestations. Improvements in the disease diagnostics and understanding of disease etiology unveiled that these disorders are widespread around the globe affecting about 7% of the population. The only known treatment so far is a life-long gluten-free diet, which is almost impossible to follow because of the contamination of allegedly “gluten-free” products. Accidental contamination of inherently gluten-free products could take place at any level from field to shelf because of the ubiquity of these proteins/grains. Gluten contamination of allegedly “gluten-free” products is a constant threat to celiac patients and a major health concern. Several detection procedures have been proposed to determine the level of contamination in products for celiac patients. 
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Preventing Nutritional Deficiencies during COVID-19
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is posing a threat to communities and healthcare systems worldwide. Malnutrition, in all its forms, may negatively impact the susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection in both children and older adults. Both undernutrition and obesity have been evoked as conditions associated with a higher susceptibility to the infection and poor prognosis. In turn, the COVID-19 infection may worsen the nutritional status through highly catabolic conditions, exposing individuals to the risk of malnutrition, muscle wasting, and nutritional deficiencies. Accordingly, the relationship between malnutrition and COVID-19 is likely to be bidirectional. Furthermore, the modification of nutritional behaviors and physical activity, required to limit the spread of the virus, are posing a challenge to health at both the extremes of life. Thus far, even the most advanced healthcare systems have failed to address the alarming consequences of malnutrition posed by this pandemic. If not properly addressed, we may run the risk that new and old generations will experience the consequences of COVID-19 related malnutrition. 
  • 1.2K
  • 08 Jun 2021
Topic Review
One Health Tomato Probiotics
Based on the literature and knowledge on the “One Health” concept, a new term for probiotics: “One Health probiotics”, beneficial for the unity of people, animals, and the environment, is suggested. Strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, having an ability to ferment a broad spectrum of plant carbohydrates, probiotic effects in human, and animal health, as well as being found in dairy products, vegetables, sauerkraut, pickles, some cheeses, fermented sausages, fish products, and rhizospheric soil, might be suggested as one of the probable candidates for “One Health” probiotics (beneficial for the unity of people, animals, and the environment) for the utilization in agriculture, food processing, and healthcare.
  • 1.2K
  • 09 Jun 2022
Topic Review
The Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a range of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by defects in insulin release, insulin action, or both. DM is a widespread condition that affects a substantial portion of the global population, causing high morbidity and mortality rates. The main symptoms of diabetes include increased blood glucose, excessive thirst, frequent urination, impaired vision, hyperphagia, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting.
  • 1.2K
  • 17 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Mastiha
Mastiha is a natural product of the Mediterranean basin with several health benefits due to its bioactive compounds, namely terpenes, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, arabino-galactanes proteins. It appears as a dried resinous exudate from stems and branches of the tree Pistacia lentiscus (Pistacia lentiscus L. var latifolius Coss or Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia).
  • 1.2K
  • 08 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have a role to play in sports performance! Optimal dose and duration for supplementation may differ between athletes and amateurs. Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentanoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) are receiving increasing attention in sports nutrition. While the usual focus is that of athletes, questions remain if the different training status between athletes and amateurs influences the response to EPA/DHA, and as to whether amateurs would benefit from EPA/DHA supplementation.
  • 1.2K
  • 16 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Phenolic Compounds for Human Health
In addition to providing nutrients, food can help prevent and treat certain diseases. In particular, research on soy products has increased dramatically following their emergence as functional foods capable of improving blood circulation and intestinal regulation. In addition to their nutritional value, soybeans contain specific phytochemical substances that promote health and are a source of dietary fiber, phospholipids, isoflavones (e.g., genistein and daidzein), phenolic acids, saponins, and phytic acid, while serving as a trypsin inhibitor. These individual substances have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing chronic diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, cardiac diseases, diabetes, and senile dementia, as well as in treating cancer and suppressing osteoporosis. Furthermore, soybean can affect fibrinolytic activity, control blood pressure, and improve lipid metabolism, while eliciting antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and antibacterial effects.
  • 1.2K
  • 27 Apr 2021
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