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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
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
Oleic Acid in Gut-Liver Axis
Oleic acid is not an essential fatty acid since it can be endogenously synthesized in humans. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is the enzyme responsible for oleic acid production and, more generally, for the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The saturated to monounsaturated fatty acid ratio affects the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and alteration in this ratio has been implicated in a variety of diseases, such as liver dysfunction and intestinal inflammation. 
  • 1.2K
  • 31 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Amygdalin as a Promising Anticancer Agent
Amygdalin, also known as vitamin B17 (and laetrile, a synthetic compound), is a cyanogenic glycoside compound that is mainly found in the kernels and pulps of fruits. This compound has been proposed for decades as a promising naturally occurring substance which may provide anticancer effects.
  • 1.2K
  • 11 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Dietary Supplements in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the main and most prevalent side effects of chemotherapy, significantly affecting the quality of life of patients and the course of chemotherapeutic treatment. Acetyl-L-carnitine, vitamins (group B and E), extracts of medical plants, including goshajinkigan, curcumin and others, unsaturated fatty acids, as well as the diet composed of so-called “sirtuin-activating foods”, could change the typical way of treatment of CIPN, improve the quality of life of patients and maintain the continuity of chemotherapy. 
  • 1.2K
  • 24 Mar 2022
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
Leptin in Gestational Diabetes
Leptin is highly expressed in placenta, mainly by trophoblastic cells, where it has an important autocrine trophic effect. Moreover, increased leptin levels are found in the most frequent pathology of pregnancy: gestational diabetes, where leptin may mediate the increased size of placenta and the fetus, which becomes macrosomic. In fact, leptin mediates the increased protein synthesis observed in trophoblasts from gestational diabetic subjects. In addition, leptin seems to facilitate nutrients transport to the fetus in gestational diabetes by increasing the expression of the glycerol transporter aquaporin-9. The high plasma leptin levels found in gestational diabetes may be potentiated by leptin resistance at central level, and obesity-associated inflammation is playing a role in this leptin resistance. Therefore, the importance of anti-inflammatory nutrients to modify the pathology of pregnancy is clear. In fact, nutritional intervention is the first line approach to the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus. However, more nutritional intervention studies with some nutraceuticals, such as polyphenols or polyunsaturated fatty acids, or nutritional supplementation with micronutrients or probiotics in pregnant women are needed, in order to achieve a high level of evidence. In this context, Mediterranean diet has been recently found to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in a multicenter randomized trial. This review will focus on the impact of maternal obesity on placental inflammation and nutrients transport considering the mechanisms by which leptin may influence maternal and fetal health in this setting, as well as its role in pregnancy pathologies
  • 1.2K
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
DHA and AA in Neuronal Development and Function
The role of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in neurogenesis and brain development throughout the life cycle is fundamental. DHA and AA are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) vital for many human physiological processes, such as signaling pathways, gene expression, structure and function of membranes, among others. DHA and AA can modulate neuronal function by influencing: (i) the physical properties of neuronal membranes by modulating ion channels and vesicular transport for endo/exocytosis of membrane-bound proteins; (ii) signal transduction, by modulating G protein-mediated second messenger systems; and (iii) gene expression, through direct binding to transcription factors or through the regulation of signaling cascades by eicosanoids derived from AA and DHA-derived docosanoids. In this sense, DHA and AA are crucial for the metabolism, growth, and differentiation of neurons.
  • 1.2K
  • 11 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Dietary Intake of Selenium
Se is taken with the diet in the form of organic (SeMet and Sec) and inorganic compounds (selenites, selenides). The absorption of these compounds mostly occurs in the duodenum and cecum, and their absorption mechanism depends on the chemical form of ingested Se. Inorganic compounds are absorbed by simple diffusion (selenites) or by secondary active transport, the so-called cotransport (selenides). In turn, organic compounds (SeMet, Sec, methylselenocysteine (MSC)) are absorbed by active transport in the same way as amino acids.
  • 1.2K
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Mosaic of Autoimmunity
The “mosaic of autoimmunity” was a term originally coined by Shoenfeld and Isenberg in 1989, and refers to the interplay between genetic, hormonal, immunological, and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including RA [1]. 
  • 1.2K
  • 10 Nov 2020
Topic Review
β-Caryophyllene in Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Mitochondrial dysfunction results in a series of defective cellular events, including decreased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) output, and altered proteastasis and cellular quality control. An enhanced output of ROS may damage mitochondrial components, such as mitochondrial DNA and elements of the electron transport chain, resulting in the loss of proper electrochemical gradient across the mitochondrial inner membrane and an ensuing shutdown of mitochondrial energy production. Neurons have an increased demand for ATP and oxygen, and thus are more prone to damage induced by mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction, damaged electron transport chains, altered membrane permeability and Ca2+ homeostasis, and impaired mitochondrial defense systems induced by oxidative stress, are pathological changes involved in neurodegenerative disorders. A growing body of evidence suggests that the use of antioxidants could stabilize mitochondria and thus may be suitable for preventing neuronal loss. Numerous natural products exhibit the potential to counter oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction; however, science is still looking for a breakthrough in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. β-caryophyllene is a bicyclic sesquiterpene, and an active principle of essential oils derived from a large number of spices and food plants. As a selective cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist, several studies have reported it as possessing numerous pharmacological activities such as antibacterial (e.g., Helicobacter pylori), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (e.g., neuropathic pain), anti-neurodegenerative and anticancer properties.
  • 1.2K
  • 27 Apr 2022
Topic Review
TKI Involved in Muscle Wasting
Low muscle mass is significantly associated with low tolerability of chemotherapy and poor survival. In this context, despite the great strides in the treatment of cancer, targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) could exacerbate loss of muscle mass in cancer patients. In the last decades, the impact of muscle mass wasting during TKI treatment on clinical outcomes has been put under the spotlights. We evaluated different molecular pathways of TKIs potentially involved in muscle wasting assessing the effects of different TKI therapies – such as sorafenib, regorafenib, sunitinib, lenvatinib - on muscle mass, and highlighted their potential clinical implications. The assessment of muscle mass from CT imaging could be helpful in predicting toxicity and prognosis in patients treated with TKI such as sorafenib. An early recognition of low muscle mass and an effective personalized nutritional support could prevent or attenuate muscle mass wasting. However, the role of nutrition is still overlooked and future clinical trials are needed to find the optimal nutritional support to countermeasure muscle mass depletion during TKI therapy.
  • 1.2K
  • 04 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Enteric Glial Cells
 At first, enteric glial cells were considered to be just a structural support for neurons, but recent findings emphasized more on their functions, and they turned out to be equally as important as neural cells, due to their involvement in all aspects of neural functions for both the central and peripheral nervous system, including the ENS.They have been mostly underestimated, particularly regarding the modulation of their functions by nutraceuticals.
  • 1.2K
  • 09 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Taurine and Terpenes
Taurine, black pepper, and the major terpene constituents found in black pepper (i.e., β-caryophyllene; α-pinene; β-pinene; α-humulene; limonene; and sabinene) that are present in PhytoCann BP® have been shown to have cardioprotective effects based on anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms. 
  • 1.2K
  • 07 Jun 2023
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
Topic Review
Flavonoids Composition in Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus membranaceus is a valuable medicinal plant species widely distributed in Asia. Its root is the main medicinal tissue rich in methoxylated flavonoids. Origin can highly influence the chemical composition and bioactivity.
  • 1.2K
  • 09 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Diet, Gut Microbiota, and Lung
The gut microbiota is often mentioned as a “forgotten organ” or “metabolic organ”, given its profound impact on host physiology, metabolism, immune function and nutrition. A healthy diet is undoubtedly a major contributor for promoting a “good” microbial community that turns out to be crucial for a fine-tuned symbiotic relationship with the host. Meanwhile, diet is a key modifiable factor influencing the gut microbiota in several lung diseases.
  • 1.2K
  • 25 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Intestinal Microbiota as a Contributor to Chronic Inflammation
The gut microbiota is a crucial factor in maintaining homeostasis. The presence of commensal microorganisms leads to the stimulation of the immune system and its maturation. In turn, dysbiosis with an impaired intestinal barrier leads to accelerated contact of microbiota with the host’s immune cells. Microbial structural parts, i.e., pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as flagellin (FLG), peptidoglycan (PGN), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induce inflammation via activation of pattern recognition receptors. Microbial metabolites can also develop chronic low-grade inflammation, which is the cause of many metabolic diseases. 
  • 1.2K
  • 29 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Nutritional Assessment in Preterm Infants
A practical approach for nutritional assessment in preterm infants under intensive care, based on anthropometric measurements and commonly used biochemical markers, is suggested. 
  • 1.2K
  • 03 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Obesity and Wound Healing
Chronic wounds represent nowadays a major challenge for both clinicians and researchers in the regenerative setting. Obesity represents one of the major comorbidities in patients affected by chronic ulcers and therefore diverse studies aimed at assessing possible links between these two morbid conditions are currently ongoing. In particular, adipose tissue has recently been described as having metabolic and endocrine functions rather than serving as a mere fat storage deposit. In this setting, adipose-derived stem cells, a peculiar subset of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) located in adipose tissue, have been demonstrated to possess regenerative and immunological functions with a key role in regulating both adipocyte function and skin regeneration.
  • 1.2K
  • 24 Mar 2023
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