Topic Review
(−)-Methyl-Oleocanthal, a New Oleocanthal Metabolite
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses of (−)-methyl-oleocanthal (met-OLE), a new metabolite of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenolic oleocanthal (OLE), were explored in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine peritoneal macrophages. Possible signaling pathways and epigenetic modulation of histones were studied. Met-OLE inhibited LPS-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrite (NO) production and decreased the overexpression of the pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-2, mPGES-1 and iNOS in murine macrophages.
  • 510
  • 13 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Aristotelia chilensis (Maqui Berry)
The Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz, also known as Maqui, is an endemic berry native to southern Chile. It is a very popular berry for its nutritional attributes and health benefits, provided mainly by its polyphenols.
  • 25
  • 29 Mar 2024
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) Supplementation in Sports Training: A Systematic Review
The aim of this systematic review is to study the effects of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) supplementation for sports activity and physical performance. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for relevant studies from inception up until October 2023. Eleven clinical studies were considered eligible for inclusion (six of them involved the administration of Huangqi alone, while, in the remaining trials, this herb was supplemented in combination with other remedies). On average, the number of study participants ranged from 8 to 120, and the sports activities practiced by the subjects included martial arts, mountain hiking, basketball, rowing, running, aerobic exercises, and strength training. When a dried extract was used, Astragalus was taken at a daily dose of 1 to 4 g for several weeks. Huangqi supplementation was associated with improvements in aerobic performance, oxidative status, reticulocytes percentage, and response to acclimatization, without a specific effect on the athletes’ strength. Better post-exercise immune functions were also observed, especially with regard to NK cell activity, IL-2 levels, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and lymphocyte turnover. No adverse effects were described. In conclusion, Astragalus supplementation has the potential to decrease fatigue, enhance aerobic performance, and mitigate post-exercise immune suppression in athletes. It is advisable to conduct additional research on the subject to enhance the robustness of the existing evidence through larger-scale controlled trials.
  • 134
  • 30 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Caenorhabditis elegans for Screening Probiotics with Antiobesity Properties
Due to the role of gut microbiota in the regulation of lipid, glucose, and insulin homeostasis, probiotics with beneficial properties have emerged as an alternative therapeutic tool to ameliorate metabolic diseases-related disturbances, including fat excess or inflammation. Different strains of bacteria, mainly lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and species from the genus Bifidobacterium, have emerged as potential probiotics due to their anti-obesogenic and/or anti-diabetic properties. However, in vivo studies are needed to demonstrate the mechanisms involved in these probiotic features. In this context, Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged as a very powerful simple in vivo model to study the physiological and molecular effects of probiotics with potential applications regarding the different pathologies of metabolic syndrome.
  • 47
  • 18 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Scorodocarpus borneensis (Baill.) Becc.
Scorodocarpus borneensis (Baill.) Becc. is attracting increased attention as a potential commercial medicinal plant product in Southeast Asia. 
  • 402
  • 31 Jul 2023
Topic Review
25Years Research in Human Lactation
Human milk promotes optimum growth, development, and health of the infant; however the mechanisms that govern both the variation of composition and the pathways by which it delivers benefits to the infant are not well understood. Increasingly maternal and environmental factors are being associated with milk composition. A recent systematic review indicated maternal adiposity was related to HM lactose and fat concentrations.
  • 411
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
5-10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase
The 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is vital for cellular homeostasis due to its key functions in the one-carbon cycle, which include methionine and folate metabolism, and protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis. 
  • 485
  • 14 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Acidophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria in Foods and Health
Acidophilic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most commonly used low-pH microorganisms in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
  • 366
  • 08 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Activity of Natural Carboxylic Acids
Natural carboxylic acids described in this paper are plant-derived compounds having biological activity. The aim of this review is to summarize and evaluate the physicochemical properties of selected compounds naturally occurring in plants, their potential of microbiological  and anticancer activity. In order to create targeted modifications of the structure enhancing its activity, it is; therefore, necessary to thoroughly understand the mechanisms of action of a given molecule under systemic conditions.
  • 3.1K
  • 03 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Adipocyte Hyperplasia
Adipose tissue comprises various cell types, including mature adipocytes, stromal cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, blood cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and APCs. APCs, resembling fibroblasts, can differentiate into different preadipocyte lineages (e.g., beige and white adipocytes) in response to genetic and environmental factors, contributing to adipose tissue hyperplasia expansion.
  • 330
  • 28 Aug 2023
  • Page
  • of
  • 79