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Topic Review
TNF-α Levels in Lean, Overweight and Obese Individuals
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic molecule involved in multiple physiological and pathological mechanisms and constitutes an important target in therapies against a diversity of immunologically related disorders. In the context of obesity, a broad range of human intervention dietary studies have investigated the changes on the blood levels of TNF-α in connection with body weight changes.
  • 1.9K
  • 14 Sep 2022
Topic Review
The Role of Ketogenic Diets in DNA Methylation
Ketogenic diets (KD) are dietary strategies low in carbohydrates, normal in protein, and high, normal, or reduced in fat with or without (Very Low-Calories Ketogenic Diet, VLCKD) a reduced caloric intake. KDs have been shown to be useful in the treatment of obesity, metabolic diseases and related disorders, neurological diseases, and various pathological conditions such as cancer, nonalcoholic liver disease, and chronic pain. The term epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene expression without changes in DNA sequence. Major epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modifications, microRNA, and chromatin remodeling. 
  • 1.9K
  • 21 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Antidiabetic Properties of Curcumin I
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Current preventative and treatment strategies for T2DM and insulin resistance lack in efficacy resulting in the need for new approaches to prevent and manage/treat the disease better. 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 vitro studies examining the antidiabetic effects of curcumin.
  • 1.9K
  • 29 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Exercise-Induced Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Endurance Sports
Strenuous exercise can be associated with “Exercise Induced Gastrointestinal Syndrome” (Ex-GIS), a clinical condition characterized by a series of gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances that may impact the physical and psychological performance of athletes. The pathophysiology comprises multi-factorial interactions between the GI tract and the circulatory, immune, enteric, and central nervous systems. 
  • 1.9K
  • 23 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Propolis
The use of alternative medicine products has increased tremendously in recent decades and it is estimated that approximately 80% of patients globally depend on them for some part of their primary health care. Propolis is a beekeeping product widely used in alternative medicine. It is a natural resinous product that bees collect from various plants and mix with beeswax and salivary enzymes and comprises a complex mixture of compounds. Various biomedical properties of propolis have been studied and reported in infectious and non-infectious diseases. However, the pharmacological activity and chemical composition of propolis is highly variable depending on its geographical origin, so it is important to describe and study the biomedical properties of propolis from different geographic regions. A number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer, are the leading causes of global mortality, generating significant economic losses in many countries.
  • 1.9K
  • 18 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Anti-Cancer Properties of Vitamin K
Vitamin K is the common name for a group of compounds recognized as essential for blood clotting. The group comprises phylloquinone (K1)—a 2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone; menaquinone (K2, MK)—a group of compounds with an unsaturated side chain in position 3 of a different number of isoprene units and a 1,4-naphthoquinone group and menadione (K3, MD)—a group of synthetic, water-soluble compounds 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. However, epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin K has various benefits that go beyond blood coagulation processes. A dietary intake of K1 is inversely associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer, K2 has the potential to induce a differentiation in leukemia cells or apoptosis of various types of cancer cells, and K3 has a documented anti-cancer effect. A healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables ensures an optimal supply of K1 and K2, though consumers often prefer supplements. Interestingly, the synthetic form of vitamin K—menadione—appears in the cell during the metabolism of phylloquinone and is a precursor of MK-4, a form of vitamin K2 inaccessible in food.
  • 1.9K
  • 11 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Quality of Plant Proteins
Consumer demand for plant protein-based products is high and expected to grow considerably in the next decade. Factors contributing to the rise in popularity of plant proteins include: (1) potential health benefits associated with increased intake of plant-based diets; (2) consumer concerns regarding adverse health effects of consuming diets high in animal protein (e.g., increased saturated fat); (3) increased consumer recognition of the need to improve the environmental sustainability of food production; (4) ethical issues regarding the treatment of animals; and (5) general consumer view of protein as a “positive” nutrient (more is better). While there are health and physical function benefits of diets higher in plant-based protein, the nutritional quality of plant proteins may be inferior in some respects relative to animal proteins.
  • 1.9K
  • 02 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Estrogen in Stress-Induced Neuroendocrine Regulation of Energy Homeostasis
Estrogens are among important contributing factors to many sex differences in neuroendocrine regulation of energy homeostasis induced by stress. Research in this field is warranted since chronic stress-related psychiatric and metabolic disturbances continue to be top health concerns, and sex differences are witnessed in these aspects.
  • 1.9K
  • 08 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Pistachio as a Regular Food
The pistachio is regarded as a relevant source of biologically active components that, compared to other nuts, possess a healthier nutritional profile with low-fat content composed mainly of monounsaturated fatty acids, a high source of vegetable protein and dietary fibre, remarkable content of minerals, especially potassium, and an excellent source of vitamins, such as vitamins C and E. A rich composition in terms of phytochemicals, such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and, importantly, phenolic compounds, makes pistachio a powerful food to explore its involvement in the prevention of prevalent pathologies. 
  • 1.9K
  • 29 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Essential Oils and Terpenes
Essential oils have been used in multiple ways, i.e., inhaling, topically applying on the skin, and drinking. Thus, there are three major routes of intake or application involved: the olfactory system, the skin, and the gastro-intestinal system. Understanding these routes is important for clarifying the mechanisms of action of essential oils. Here we summarize the three systems involved, and the effects of essential oils and their constituents at the cellular and systems level. Many factors affect the rate of uptake of each chemical constituent included in essential oils. It is important to determine how much of each constituent is included in an essential oil and to use single chemical compounds to precisely test their effects. Studies have shown synergistic influences of the constituents, which affect the mechanisms of action of the essential oil constituents. For the skin and digestive system, the chemical components of essential oils can directly activate gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and transient receptor potential channels (TRP) channels, whereas in the olfactory system, chemical components activate olfactory receptors. Here, GABA receptors and TRP channels could play a role, mostly when the signals are transferred to the olfactory bulb and the brain.
  • 1.9K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Chronic Kidney Disease
Nutrition is a cornerstone in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). To limit urea generation and accumulation, a global reduction in protein intake is routinely proposed. However, recent evidence has accumulated on the benefits of plant-based diets and plant-derived proteins without a clear understanding of underlying mechanisms. Particularly the roles of some amino acids (AAs) appear to be either deleterious or beneficial on the progression of CKD and its complications.
  • 1.9K
  • 05 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Chronic High Fructose Intake in Beverages and SARS-CoV-2
Fructose intake from SSBs increased during the COVID-19 lockdown. Chronic high intake of fructose activates several damage-associated processes of lung injury, including renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation, uric acid (UA) levels, aldose reductase (AR) activity, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) production. These molecular mechanisms are involved in lung injury induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. 
  • 1.9K
  • 12 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Vitamin K2 and Alzheimer’s Disease
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of vitamin K2 (VK2) in human health. However, there have been no clinical studies investigating the role of VK2 in the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a debilitating disease for which currently there is no cure. In reviewing basic science research and clinical studies that have connected VK2 to factors involved in AD pathogenesis, we have found a growing body of evidence demonstrating that VK2 has the potential to slow the progression of AD and contribute to its prevention. In our review, we consider the antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects of VK2 and its impact on neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cognition, cardiovascular health, and comorbidities in AD. We also examine the link between dysbiosis and VK2 in the context of the microbiome’s role in AD pathogenesis.
  • 1.9K
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Heiner Syndrome and Milk Hypersensitivity
Infants affected by Heiner syndrome (HS) display chronic upper or lower respiratory tract infections, including otitis media or pneumonia. Clinically, gastrointestinal signs and symptoms, anemia, recurrent fever and failure to thrive can be also present. Chest X-rays can show patchy infiltrates miming pneumonia. Clinical manifestations usually disappear after a milk-free diet. The pathogenetic mechanism underlying HS remains unexplained, but the formation of immune complexes and the cell-mediated reaction have been proposed. Patients usually outgrow this hypersensitivity within a few years.
  • 1.9K
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Effects of Urolithin A on Pancreatic Diseases
Urolithin A (Uro A) is a dietary metabolite of the intestinal microbiota following the ingestion of plant-based food ingredients ellagitannins and ellagic acid in mammals. Accumulating studies have reported its multiple potential health benefits in a broad range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, cognitive impairment, and diabetes.
  • 1.9K
  • 12 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Flavonols
Flavonols are ones of the most common phytochemicals found in diets rich in fruit and vegetables. Research suggests that molecular functions of flavonoids may bring a number of health benefits to people, including the following: decrease inflammation, change disease activity, and alleviate resistance to antibiotics as well as chemotherapeutics. 
  • 1.9K
  • 23 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Effect of a Vegan Diet on Alzheimer’s Disease
A vegan diet tends to be plant-based, but plant-based diets are not vegan by definition. Regarding Alzheimer’s disease (AD) prevention, a vegan diet includes low levels of saturated fats and cholesterol, contributing to a healthy blood lipid profile. 
  • 1.8K
  • 20 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Sleep Duration and Weight Loss
Sufficient sleep is essential for maintaining healthy physical, mental, and emotional functioning. Optimal sleep duration is determined by several intra- and inter-individual characteristics. A duration of 7–9 h of sleep a night is considered appropriate to support good health in adults of 18–60 years of age, with an optimal average of 7.5 h.
  • 1.8K
  • 21 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Polysaccharide-Peptide from Trametes versicolor for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer have shown an upward trend. Therefore, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer still need our continuous attention. Finding compounds with strong anticancer activity and low toxicity is a good strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. Trametes versicolor is a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom with a long history of being used to regulate immunity and prevent cancer. Its extractions were demonstrated with strong cell growth inhibitory activity on human colorectal tumor cells, while the anticancer activity of them is not acted through a direct cytotoxic effect. 
  • 1.8K
  • 25 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Immunomodulatory Effects of Dietary Polyphenols
Functional and nutraceutical foods provide an alternative way to improve immune function to aid in the management of various diseases. With the development of research into nutraceuticals, dietary polyphenols are getting attention due to their immunomodulatory role. There is evidence that dietary polyphenols can influence dendritic cells, have an immunomodulatory effect on macrophages, increase proliferation of B cells, T cells, and suppress Type 1 T helper (Th1), Th2, Th17, and Th9 cells. Further, polyphenols have a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, allergy, asthma, and auto-immune diseases (type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis).
  • 1.8K
  • 16 Mar 2021
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