%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Tamara Yuliett Forbes-Hernández
%A Yasmany Armas Diaz
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%D 2024
%J Food & Function
%R doi:10.1039/D4FO00943F
%L uneatlantico12748
%X Colorectal cancer often leads to metastasis, with cancer stem cells (CSCs) playing a pivotal role in this process. Two closely linked mechanisms, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis, contribute to metastasis and recent research has also highlighted the impact of telomere replication on this harmful tumor progression. Standard chemotherapy alone can inadvertently promote drug-resistant CSCs, posing a challenge. Combining chemotherapy with other compounds, including natural ones, shows promise in enhancing effectiveness while minimizing side effects. This study investigated the anti-metastatic potential of Manuka honey, both alone and in combination with 5-Fluorouracil, using a 3D model of colon spheres enriched with CSCs-like cells. In summary, it was observed that the treatment reduced migration ability by increasing the expression of E-cadherin through the downregulation of transcription factors Slug, Snail, and Twist. Additionally, it downregulated pro-angiogenic factors and shortened CSC telomeres by downregulating c-Myc, demonstrating an effective anti-metastatic potential. This study suggests new research opportunities for studying the impact of natural compounds when combined with pharmaceuticals, with the potential to enhance effectiveness and reduce side effects.
%T The anti-metastatic effect of Manuka honey on colonspheres enriched with cancer stem cells: how does it influence the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, angiogenesis, and telomere length?

%T From by-products to new application opportunities: the enhancement of the leaves deriving from the fruit plants for new potential healthy products
%X In the last decades, the world population and demand for any kind of product have grown exponentially. The rhythm of production to satisfy the request of the population has become unsustainable and the concept of the linear economy, introduced after the Industrial Revolution, has been replaced by a new economic approach, the circular economy. In this new economic model, the concept of “the end of life” is substituted by the concept of restoration, providing a new life to many industrial wastes. Leaves are a by-product of several agricultural cultivations. In recent years, the scientific interest regarding leaf biochemical composition grew, recording that plant leaves may be considered an alternative source of bioactive substances. Plant leaves’ main bioactive compounds are similar to those in fruits, i.e., phenolic acids and esters, flavonols, anthocyanins, and procyanidins. Bioactive compounds can positively influence human health; in fact, it is no coincidence that the leaves were used by our ancestors as a natural remedy for various pathological conditions. Therefore, leaves can be exploited to manufacture many products in food (e.g., being incorporated in food formulations as natural antioxidants, or used to create edible coatings or films for food packaging), cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries (e.g., promising ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics such as oils, serums, dermatological creams, bath gels, and other products). This review focuses on the leaves’ main bioactive compounds and their beneficial health effects, indicating their applications until today to enhance them as a harvesting by-product and highlight their possible reuse for new potential healthy products.
%R doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1083759
%L uneatlantico12749
%V 11
%K circular economy, leaves, bioactive compounds, health, food industry, cosmetics
%D 2024
%J Frontiers in Nutrition
%A Lucia Regolo
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Yasmany Armas Diaz
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A Cristina Mazas Pérez-Oleaga
%A Kilian Tutusaus
%A Luca Mazzoni

%J Postharvest Biology and Technology
%P 113006
%A Jiayi Sun
%A Xinhui Tan
%A Bingjie Liu
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Xianghong Meng
%A Fang Zhang
%T Blue light inhibits gray mold infection by inducing disease resistance in cherry tomato
%X Induced resistance is considered as a sustainable strategy to control postharvest decay of fruits, while light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a green physical technology are of more and more interest in postharvest fruit preservation field. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the resistance inducing ability of LED irradiation with different light wavelengths and photoperiods for cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Qianxi’). Results indicated the exposure to 40 W m-2 of four light wavelengths for 3 d decreased B. cinerea lesion diameter on harvested cherry tomatoes, notably the best effect in blue light (470 nm). Meanwhile, the mechanism of blue light-induced disease resistance is the enhancement of defense-enzyme activity and the expression of defense-related genes. Moreover, results revealed that blue light enhanced vitamin C content and the firmness of the fruit exocarp, suggesting the potential usage of blue light in the postharvest preservation of cherry tomatoes.
%R doi:10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.113006
%L uneatlantico13004
%V 215
%D 2024

%X Much of nutrition research has been conventionally based on the use of simplistic in vitro systems or animal models, which have been extensively employed in an effort to better understand the relationships between diet and complex diseases as well as to evaluate food safety. Although these models have undeniably contributed to increase our mechanistic understanding of basic biological processes, they do not adequately model complex human physiopathological phenomena, creating concerns about the translatability to humans. During the last decade, extraordinary advancement in stem cell culturing, three-dimensional cell cultures, sequencing technologies, and computer science has occurred, which has originated a wealth of novel human-based and more physiologically relevant tools. These tools, also known as “new approach methodologies,” which comprise patient-derived organoids, organs-on-chip, multi-omics approach, along with computational models and analysis, represent innovative and exciting tools to forward nutrition research from a human-biology-oriented perspective. After considering some shortcomings of conventional in vitro and vivo approaches, here we describe the main novel available and emerging tools that are appropriate for designing a more human-relevant nutrition research. Our aim is to encourage discussion on the opportunity to explore innovative paths in nutrition research and to promote a paradigm-change toward a more human biology-focused approach to better understand human nutritional pathophysiology, to evaluate novel food products, and to develop more effective targeted preventive or therapeutic strategies while helping in reducing the number and replacing animals employed in nutrition research.
%T Human‐based new approach methodologies to accelerate advances in nutrition research
%D 2024
%K alternatives to animal testing, food-risk assessment, human-based research, NAMs, newapproachmethodologies, novelfoodproducts, nutritionresearch
%L uneatlantico11265
%R doi:10.1002/fft2.369
%A Manuela Cassotta
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A Iñaki Elío Pascual
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 1-32
%J Food Frontiers

%T Resveratrol and vascular health: evidence from clinical studies and mechanisms of actions related to its metabolites produced by gut microbiota
%X Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with dietary factors being the main risk contributors. Diets rich in bioactive compounds, such as (poly)phenols, have been shown to potentially exert positive effects on vascular health. Among them, resveratrol has gained particular attention due to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Nevertheless, the results in humans are conflicting possibly due to interindividual different responses. The gut microbiota, a complex microbial community that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, has been called out as potentially responsible for modulating the biological activities of phenolic metabolites in humans. The present review aims to summarize the main findings from clinical trials on the effects of resveratrol interventions on endothelial and vascular outcomes and review potential mechanisms interesting the role of gut microbiota on the metabolism of this molecule and its cardioprotective metabolites. The findings from randomized controlled trials show contrasting results on the effects of resveratrol supplementation and vascular biomarkers without dose-dependent effect. In particular, studies in which resveratrol was integrated using food sources, i.e., red wine, reported significant effects although the resveratrol content was, on average, much lower compared to tablet supplementation, while other studies with often extreme resveratrol supplementation resulted in null findings. The results from experimental studies suggest that resveratrol exerts cardioprotective effects through the modulation of various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hypertensive pathways, and microbiota composition. Recent studies on resveratrol-derived metabolites, such as piceatannol, have demonstrated its effects on biomarkers of vascular health. Moreover, resveratrol itself has been shown to improve the gut microbiota composition toward an anti-inflammatory profile. Considering the contrasting findings from clinical studies, future research exploring the bidirectional link between resveratrol metabolism and gut microbiota as well as the mediating effect of gut microbiota in resveratrol effect on cardiovascular health is warranted.
%K resveratrol, polyphenols, metabolites, vascular, gut microbiota
%V 15
%D 2024
%L uneatlantico12107
%R doi:10.3389/fphar.2024.1368949
%A Justyna Godos
%A Giovanni Luca Romano
%A Lucia Gozzo
%A Samuele Laudani
%A Nadia Paladino
%A Irma Dominguez Azpíroz
%A Nohora Milena Martínez López
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Fabio Galvano
%A Filippo Drago
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%J Frontiers in Pharmacology

%R doi:10.1186/s12967-024-05095-w
%L uneatlantico11426
%D 2024
%K Mediterranean diet; Plant-based; Sustainability; Planetary diet; Grains; Spices; Olive oil; Legumes; Fish; Herbs
%V 22
%X Over the last decades, the Mediterranean diet gained enormous scientific, social, and commercial attention due to proven positive effects on health and undeniable taste that facilitated a widespread popularity. Researchers have investigated the role of Mediterranean-type dietary patterns on human health all around the world, reporting consistent findings concerning its benefits. However, what does truly define the Mediterranean diet? The myriad of dietary scores synthesizes the nutritional content of a Mediterranean-type diet, but a variety of aspects are generally unexplored when studying the adherence to this dietary pattern. Among dietary factors, the main characteristics of the Mediterranean diet, such as consumption of fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and cereals should be accompanied by other underrated features, such as the following: (i) specific reference to whole-grain consumption; (ii) considering the consumption of legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices often untested when exploring the adherence to the Mediterranean diet; (iii) consumption of eggs and dairy products as common foods consumed in the Mediterranean region (irrespectively of the modern demonization of dietary fat intake). Another main feature of the Mediterranean diet includes (red) wine consumption, but more general patterns of alcohol intake are generally unmeasured, lacking specificity concerning the drinking occasion and intensity (i.e., alcohol drinking during meals). Among other underrated aspects, cooking methods are rather simple and yet extremely varied. Several underrated aspects are related to the quality of food consumed when the Mediterranean diet was first investigated: foods are locally produced, minimally processed, and preserved with more natural methods (i.e., fermentation), strongly connected with the territory with limited and controlled impact on the environment. Dietary habits are also associated with lifestyle behaviors, such as sleeping patterns, and social and cultural values, favoring commensality and frugality. In conclusion, it is rather reductive to consider the Mediterranean diet as just a pattern of food groups to be consumed decontextualized from the social and geographical background of Mediterranean culture. While the methodologies to study the Mediterranean diet have demonstrated to be useful up to date, a more holistic approach should be considered in future studies by considering the aforementioned underrated features and values to be potentially applied globally through the concept of a “Planeterranean” diet.
%T Underrated aspects of a true Mediterranean diet: understanding traditional features for worldwide application of a “Planeterranean” diet
%J Journal of Translational Medicine
%A Justyna Godos
%A Francesca Scazzina
%A Corrado Paternò Castello
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José L. Quiles
%A Mercedes Briones Urbano
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Fabio Galvano
%A Licia Iacoviello
%A Giovanni de Gaetano
%A Marialaura Bonaccio
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%N 1

%T In Vitro and In Vivo Insights into a Broccoli Byproduct as a Healthy Ingredient for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease and Aging through Redox Biology
%X Broccoli has gained popularity as a highly consumed vegetable due to its nutritional and health properties. This study aimed to evaluate the composition profile and the antioxidant capacity of a hydrophilic extract derived from broccoli byproducts, as well as its influence on redox biology, Alzheimer’s disease markers, and aging in the Caenorhabditis elegans model. The presence of glucosinolate was observed and antioxidant capacity was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory capacity was quantified, and the treatment ameliorated the amyloid-β- and tau-induced proteotoxicity in transgenic strains via SOD-3 and SKN-1, respectively, and HSP-16.2 for both parameters. Furthermore, a preliminary study on aging indicated that the extract effectively reduced reactive oxygen species levels in aged worms and extended their lifespan. Utilizing broccoli byproducts for nutraceutical or functional foods could manage vegetable processing waste, enhancing productivity and sustainability while providing significant health benefits.
%R doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05609
%L uneatlantico11324
%K sulfur compounds amyloid-β hyperphosphorylated tau SKN-1/Nrf2 heat shock protein lipofuscin
%V 72
%D 2024
%N 10
%J Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
%P 5197-5211
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A M. Asunción López-Bascón
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A Jianbo Xiao
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernande
%A José L. Quiles

%N 2
%J Pharmaceuticals
%P 236
%A Samuele Laudani
%A Justyna Godos
%A Giovanni Luca Romano
%A Lucia Gozzo
%A Federica Martina Di Domenico
%A Irma Dominguez Azpíroz
%A Raquel Martínez Díaz
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Filippo Drago
%A Fabio Galvano
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%X Isoflavones are a group of (poly)phenols, also defined as phytoestrogens, with chemical structures comparable with estrogen, that exert weak estrogenic effects. These phytochemical compounds have been targeted for their proven antioxidant and protective effects. Recognizing the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), there is a growing interest in understanding the potential cardiovascular benefits associated with these phytochemical compounds. Gut microbiota may play a key role in mediating the effects of isoflavones on vascular and endothelial functions, as it is directly implicated in isoflavones metabolism. The findings from randomized clinical trials indicate that isoflavone supplementation may exert putative effects on vascular biomarkers among healthy individuals, but not among patients affected by cardiometabolic disorders. These results might be explained by the enzymatic transformation to which isoflavones are subjected by the gut microbiota, suggesting that a diverse composition of the microbiota may determine the diverse bioavailability of these compounds. Specifically, the conversion of isoflavones in equol—a microbiota-derived metabolite—seems to differ between individuals. Further studies are needed to clarify the intricate molecular mechanisms behind these contrasting results.
%T Isoflavones Effects on Vascular and Endothelial Outcomes: How Is the Gut Microbiota Involved?
%R doi:10.3390/ph17020236
%L uneatlantico10845
%D 2024
%V 17
%K isoflavones; polyphenols; phytoestrogens; equol; vascular; gut microbiota

%D 2024
%V 146
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodhyd.2023.109223
%L uneatlantico8685
%X The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of enzymatic treatments (pectinase, pectin lyase, and cellulase) on the in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics of whole mulberry fruit juice. The analysis focused on changes in carbohydrate properties within the black mulberry fruit matrix during simulated digestion and fermentation. Human fecal microbiota were collected and introduced to the fruit matrix to monitor the fate of both soluble and insoluble polysaccharides during fermentation. The results revealed that enzymatic treatments enhanced the solubilization of carbohydrates from mulberry fruits, with pectinase showing the most significant effect. Throughout the process of in vitro digestion, there was a gradual increase in the percentage of solubilized carbohydrates from the mulberry juice substrate. The digested suspensions underwent dialysis to remove degradation fragments, and a lower quantity of carbohydrate in the enzyme-treated groups compared to the control. Polysaccharide populations with varying molecular weights (Mw) were obtained from the soluble fractions of mulberry residues for subsequent fermentation. An increase in Mw of soluble polysaccharides was detected by HPSEC during fermentation in certain cases. The gut microbiota demonstrated the ability to convert specific insoluble fractions into soluble components, which were subsequently subjected to microbial utilization. Enzymatic treatments during mulberry juice preparation can potentially positively impact health by influencing gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) modulations. Enzymes could serve as valuable tools for producing functional fruit and vegetable juices, with the need to specify processing conditions for specific raw materials remaining a subject of further investigation.
%T Effects of enzymatic treatment on the in vitro digestion and fermentation patterns of mulberry fruit juice: A focus on carbohydrates
%P 109223
%A Peihuan Luo
%A Jian Ai
%A Yuxin Wang
%A Songen Wang
%A Henk A. Schols
%A Hauke Smidt
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Weibin Bai
%A Lingmin Tian
%J Food Hydrocolloids

%L uneatlantico10843
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138516
%K Cholinergic; AChE; COX; Inflammation; Iron; Oxidative stress; Olive; Leaves
%V 444
%D 2024
%T Effect of olive leaf phytochemicals on the anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-cyclooxygenase-2 and ferric reducing antioxidant capacity
%X In this study, the phytochemical profile of fifty olive leaves (OL) extracts from Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Morocco was characterized and their anti-cholinergic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities were evaluated. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, isoharmnentin, and apigenin were involved in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, while oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol showed noteworthy potential. Secoiridoids contributed to the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity. Compounds such as oleuropein, ligstroside and luteolin-7-O-glucoside, may exert an important role in the ferric reducing antioxidant capacity. It should be also highlighted the role of hydroxytyrosol, hydroxycoumarins, and verbascoside concerning the antioxidant activity. This research provides valuable insights and confirms that specific compounds within OL extracts contribute to distinct anti-cholinergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative effects.
%J Food Chemistry
%P 138516
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Juan G. Puentes
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Roberto García-Ruiz
%A Sebastián Sánchez
%A José L. Quiles

%X Background: Arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis are known risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vegetarian diets have been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including improvements in metabolic parameters. However, the impact of a vegetarian diet on cardiovascular parameters, specifically arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, in healthy individuals remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to analyze differences in arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies examining the association between vegetarian and omnivorous diets with arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Cross-sectional studies reporting carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWv) as a measure of arterial stiffness and carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) as a measure of atherosclerosis were included. Data were synthesized using random effects models, and sensitivity analyses, meta-regressions, and assessment of publication bias were performed. Results: Ten studies were included in the systematic review, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that individuals following a vegetarian diet had differences in the levels of arterial stiffness (cf-PWv) compared to those following an omnivorous diet (MD: −0.43 m s−1; 95% CI: −0.63, −0.23). Similarly, atherosclerosis (c-IMT) was found to be different in individuals adhering to a vegetarian dietary pattern (MD = −29.86 mm; 95% CI: −58.41, −1.32). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a vegetarian diet is associated with improved arterial stiffness and reduced atherosclerosis in healthy individuals. These results support the inclusion of a well-balanced vegetarian dietary pattern in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. However, further research is needed to explore the effects of a vegetarian diet on arterial health in diverse populations and to assess long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
%T Differences in carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid intima media thickness between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis
%D 2024
%V 15
%R doi:10.1039/D3FO05061K
%L uneatlantico11261
%N 3
%P 1135-1143
%A Alicia Saz-Lara
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Andrea del Saz Lara
%A Iván Cavero-Redondo
%A Alberto Dávalos
%A María-Carmen López de Las Hazas
%A Francesco Visioli
%A Maribel Lucerón-Lucas-Torres
%A Francesca Giampieri
%J Food & Function

%N 24
%J Nutrients
%P 5081
%A Patrizia D’Andrea
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%X Twenty years after its discovery, hepcidin is still considered the main regulator of iron homeostasis in humans. The increase in hepcidin expression drastically blocks the flow of iron, which can come from one’s diet, from iron stores, and from erythrophagocytosis. Many anemic conditions are caused by non-physiologic increases in hepcidin. The sequestration of iron in the intestine and in other tissues poses worrying premises in view of discoveries about the mechanisms of ferroptosis. The nutritional treatment of these anemic states cannot ignore the nutritional modulation of hepcidin, in addition to the bioavailability of iron. This work aims to describe and summarize the few findings about the role of hepcidin in anemic diseases and ferroptosis, as well as the modulation of hepcidin levels by diet and nutrients.
%T Nutritional Modulation of Hepcidin in the Treatment of Various Anemic States
%L uneatlantico10095
%R doi:10.3390/nu15245081
%D 2023
%V 15
%K hepcidin; iron homeostasis; ferroptosis; anemia

%P 136684
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Yasmany Armas Diaz
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Xiumin Chen
%A Di Zhang
%A Nohora Milena Martínez López
%A Mercedes Briones Urbano
%A José L. Quiles
%A Adolfo Amici
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%J Food Chemistry
%V 427
%D 2023
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136684
%L uneatlantico7844
%T Can the phenolic compounds of Manuka honey chemosensitize colon cancer stem cells? A deep insight into the effect on chemoresistance and self-renewal
%X Manuka honey, which is rich in pinocembrin, quercetin, naringenin, salicylic, p-coumaric, ferulic, syringic and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids, has been shown to have pleiotropic effects against colon cancer cells. In this study, potential chemosensitizing effects of Manuka honey against 5-Fluorouracil were investigated in colonspheres enriched with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for chemoresistance. Results showed that 5-Fluorouracil increased when it was combined with Manuka honey by downregulating the gene expression of both ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2, an efflux pump and thymidylate synthase, the main target of 5-Fluorouracil which regulates the ex novo DNA synthesis. Manuka honey was associated with decreased self-renewal ability by CSCs, regulating expression of several genes in Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog and Notch pathways. This preliminary study opens new areas of research into the effects of natural compounds in combination with pharmaceuticals and, potentially, increase efficacy or reduce adverse effects.

%P 101109
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Yasmany Armas Diaz
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%A José L. Quiles
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Current Opinion in Food Science
%X Metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes mellitus are the most common metabolic disorders (MDs) in the world, characterized by abnormalities in body's metabolic processes. The typical diagnosis of MDs is usually executed by monitoring the levels of specific biochemical markers, but diagnostic imaging may provide valuable complementary information in MDs, offering advantages in diagnosis, target organ monitoring, follow-up, and development of new therapeutic approaches. The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the studies published in the literature about the connection between images deriving from the diagnostic techniques and the key biochemical markers in the main MDs, in order to gain a comprehensive view of the different disorders.
%T Association between diagnostic imaging and biochemical markers: a possible tool for monitoring metabolic disorders
%D 2023
%R doi:10.1016/j.cofs.2023.101109
%L uneatlantico9884

%T House cricket (Acheta domesticus): A review based on its nutritional composition, quality, and potential uses in the food industry
%X Background
The house cricket (A. domesticus) is one of the edible insects that are gaining attention as a new source of protein and nutrients with potential use in the food industry as a safe and environmentally sustainable option with high biological value.

Scope and approach
Here, we review the published literature on studies of chemical composition, nutritional value, and potential risks that the consumption of house crickets entails. We discuss the benefits of consuming A. domesticus from a nutritional point of view, as well as information concerning the properties of its components for use in the food industry.
%R doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2023.104226
%L uneatlantico9665
%V 142
%D 2023
%J Trends in Food Science & Technology
%P 104226
%A Gabriela Pilco-Romero
%A Aida M. Chisaguano-Tonato
%A María E. Herrera-Fontana
%A Luis F. Chimbo-Gándara
%A Majid Sharifi-Rad
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A María Gabriela Vernaza
%A José M. Álvarez-Suárez

%X Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acid of the Ω3 series found mainly in vegetables, especially in the fatty part of oilseeds, dried fruit, berries, and legumes. It is very popular for its preventive use in several diseases: It seems to reduce the risk of the onset or decrease some phenomena related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and conditions of dysregulation of the immune response. Recent studies have confirmed these unhealthy situations also in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Different findings (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical ones), summarized and analyzed in this review, have showed an important role of ALA in other various non-COVID physiological and pathological situations against “cytokines storm,” chemokines secretion, oxidative stress, and dysregulation of immune cells that are also involved in the infection of the 2019 novel coronavirus. According to the effects of ALA against all the aforementioned situations (also present in patients with a severe clinical picture of severe acute respiratory syndrome-(CoV-2) infection), there may be the biologic plausibility of a prophylactic effect of this compound against COVID-19 symptoms and fatality.
%T Can alpha‐linolenic acid be a modulator of “cytokine storm,” oxidative stress and immune response in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection?
%R doi:10.1002/fft2.319
%L uneatlantico9375
%D 2023
%K lpha-linolenic acid; COVID-19; cytokine storm; inflammation; oxidative stress; SARS-CoV-2
%J Food Frontiers
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Yasmany Armas Diaz
%A Antonio Vittorino Gaddi
%A Fabio Capello
%A Maria Teresa Savo
%A Ramón Pali-Casanova
%A Julio César Martínez Espinosa
%A Alina Eugenia Pascual Barrera
%A Maria‐Dolores Navarro‐Hortal
%A Lingmin Tian
%A Weibin Bai
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino

%J Nutrients
%A Hannah Ricci
%A Maddalena Gaeta
%A Carlotta Franchi
%A Andrea Poli
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Alberto Dolci
%A Daniela Schmid
%A Cristian Ricci
%P 4539
%N 21
%R doi:10.3390/nu15214539
%L uneatlantico9562
%V 15
%K fish; fatty fish; nutrition; cardiovascular risk; cardiovascular mortality; systematic review; meta-analysis; meta-regression; cohort study
%D 2023
%T Fish Intake in Relation to Fatal and Non-Fatal Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies
%X Epidemiological studies have shown that eating fish significantly reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. However, more focused meta-analyses based on the most recent results from prospective cohort studies are needed. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to update the association between fish intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using recent prospective studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guideline was conducted based on a random effects synthesis of multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs) of high vs. low categories of fish intake in relation to CVD incidence and mortality. Non-linear meta-regression was applied to investigate the shape of the association between fish intake and CVD risk. Sensitivity analysis and stratifications by type of CVD outcome, type of fish intake and type of cooking were performed. Based on 18 papers reporting 17 independent estimates of CVD risk (1,442,407 participants and 78,805 fatal and non-fatal CVD events), high vs. low intake of fish corresponded to about 8% reduced CVD risk (RR = 0.93 [0.88–0.98]). According to a non-linear dose–response meta-regression, 50 g of fish intake per day corresponded to a statistically significant 9% reduced fatal and non-fatal CVD risk (RR = 0.92 [0.90–0.95]). Similarly, fish intake in the range of a weekly intake of two to three portions of fish with a size of 150 g resulted in 8% fatal and non-fatal CVD risk reduction (RR = 0.93 [0.91–0.96]). The recommended two portions of fish a week reduces the risk of CVD outcomes by approximately 10%. A full portion of fish a day reduces CVD risk by up to 30%.

%J Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
%P 1-18
%A Yu Sun
%A Arshad Mehmood
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Xiumin Chen
%T Insights into the cellular, molecular, and epigenetic targets of gamma-aminobutyric acid against diabetes: a comprehensive review on its mechanisms
%X Diabetes is a metabolic disease due to impaired or defective insulin secretion and is considered one of the most serious chronic diseases worldwide. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring non-protein amino acid commonly present in a wide range of foods. A number of studies documented that GABA has good anti-diabetic potential. This review summarized the available dietary sources of GABA as well as animal and human studies on the anti-diabetic properties of GABA, while also discussing the underlying mechanisms. GABA may modulate diabetes through various pathways such as inhibiting the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, promoting β-cell proliferation, stimulating insulin secretion from β-cells, inhibiting glucagon secretion from α-cells, improving insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, and increasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, further mechanistic studies on animals and human are needed to confirm the therapeutic effects of GABA against diabetes.
%L uneatlantico8802
%R doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2255666
%K Gamma-aminobutyric aciddiabetesβ-cellsinsulinanti-inflammatory activity
%D 2023

%J Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
%P 1-19
%A Fan Zhang
%A Shengxiong Chen
%A Jianguo Zhang
%A Kiran Thakur
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Hui Cao
%A Mohamed A. Farag
%A Jianbo Xiao
%A Zhaojun Wei
%T Asparagus saponins: effective natural beneficial ingredient in functional foods, from preparation to applications
%X Asparagus species is recognized as a perennial herb with several valuable functional ingredients, and has been widely used as medicine and food since ancient times. Among its main chemical constituents, saponins play a vital role in the health benefits and biological activities including anti-cancer, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic. This review summarizes the preparation methods, structure and classification, biological functions, as well as the food and non-food applications of asparagus saponins, with a special emphasis on its anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. Further, the main challenges and limitations of the current research trends in asparagus saponins are highlighted after a detailed analysis of the recent research information. This review bridges the gap between bioactive components and human health and aids current research on functional and health-promoting foods and medicinal application of Asparagus saponins.
%L uneatlantico8682
%R doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2249097
%K Saponin; asparagus; extraction;health benefits; anticancer; applications
%D 2023

%P 1-35
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Eduardo Tejera
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Handbook of Dietary Flavonoids
%K Malvidin; Bioactivity; Antioxidant; Antidiabetic; Anti-inflammatory; Anticancer activity
%D 2023
%L uneatlantico8686
%R doi:10.1007/978-3-030-94753-8_57-1
%T Malvidin: Advances in the Resources, Biosynthesis Pathway, Bioavailability, Bioactivity, and Pharmacology
%X Malvidin is an O-methylated anthocyanidin, the 3′,5′-methoxy derivative of delphinidin responsible for the blue-red color found in flowers and fruits. Its distribution covers a wide group of sources, such as flowers (edible and nonedible), medicinal plants, and fruits. It is the main substance responsible for the color of red grapes and red wine, being Vitis vinifera one of its main sources. Its consumption is important as it has been associated with important biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory activity, powerful antioxidant activity, and anticancer activity. Against this background, this chapter presents a general overview of malvidin’s main sources, biosynthesis pathway and biotransformation properties, physicochemical properties and stability, and aspects of its absorption, metabolism, and excretion. Additionally, we summarize recent studies using in vitro and in vivo models related to its various biological properties. In conclusion, this chapter aims to provide as detailed a picture as possible of the potential of malvidin in human health, as well as its main sources, chemical characteristics, and biotransformation.
%B Handbook of Dietary Flavonoids

%P 13-21
%A Yasmany Armas Díaz
%A Maria Soledad Ferreiro Cotorruelo
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Food Safety and Health
%N 1
%V 1
%D 2023
%L uneatlantico8687
%R doi:10.1002/fsh3.12013
%T The role of dietary polyphenols in the control of chronic noncommunicable diseases
%X Noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The most common NCDs are cancer, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Nowadays, they represent one of the greatest challenges health systems face worldwide. The increase in the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods could contribute to the reduction of these pathologies, due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and cardiovascular protective properties, among others. This review aims to highlight some studies carried out in recent years to enhance the possible benefits of a diet rich in polyphenols in the prevention or treatment of NCDs.

%R doi:10.3390/antiox12081538
%L uneatlantico8656
%D 2023
%K acetylcholinesterase; cyclooxygenase-2; flavonoids; hydroxyoleuropein; hydroxytyrosol; luteolin; oleuropein; p-hydroxybenzoic acid; phenolics; verbascoside
%V 12
%X The leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) are one of the major solid wastes from the olive industry. Globally, the European Union is the largest producer of olive by-products, with Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal accounting for almost the entire production. Many questions remain to be solved concerning olive leaves (OL), including those related to possible differences in composition and/or biological activities depending on their geographical origin. In the present work, OL from Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal have been characterized according to their phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, neuroprotective activity, and anti-inflammatory effects. The Spanish and Italian OL samples presented the highest antioxidant and neuroprotective activities, while the Greek OL showed the lowest. These results were strongly associated with the content of oleoside methyl ester and p-hydroxybenzoic acid for the Spanish and Italian samples, respectively, whereas the content of decarboxymethyl elenolic acid dialdehyde form (hydrated) was negatively associated with the mentioned biological activities of the Greek samples. No country-related effect was observed in the anti-inflammatory activity of OL. Comprehensively, this work could provide a useful tool for manufacturers and R&D departments in making environmentally friendly decisions on how OL can be used to generate nutraceutical products based on the composition and origin of this by-product.
%T Exploring the Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Olive Leaf Extracts from Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy
%J Antioxidants
%P 1538
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Juan G. Puentes
%A Raquel Del Pino-García
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A Iñaki Elío Pascual
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Roberto García
%A Sebastián Sánchez
%A José L. Quiles
%N 8

%N 3
%J Diseases
%P 97
%A Alessia Salinari
%A Michele Machì
%A Yasmany Armas Diaz
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Zexiu Qi
%A Bei Yang
%A Maria Soledad Ferreiro Cotorruelo
%A Santos Gracia Villar
%A Luis Alonso Dzul López
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%O COMENTARIO, no artículo de investigación
%X In the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-mediated technologies have undergone rapid evolution in healthcare and medicine, from apps to computer software able to analyze medical images, robotic surgery and advanced data storage system. The main aim of the present commentary is to briefly describe the evolution of AI and its applications in healthcare, particularly in nutrition and clinical biochemistry. Indeed, AI is revealing itself to be an important tool in clinical nutrition by using telematic means to self-monitor various health metrics, including blood glucose levels, body weight, heart rate, fat percentage, blood pressure, activity tracking and calorie intake trackers. In particular, the application of the most common digital technologies used in the field of nutrition as well as the employment of AI in the management of diabetes and obesity, two of the most common nutrition-related pathologies worldwide, will be presented.
%T The Application of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: An Overview on Nutrition Assessment
%R doi:10.3390/diseases11030097
%L uneatlantico8036
%D 2023
%K deep learning; machine learning; mobile health applications; natural language processing; wearable trackers devices
%V 11

%T The VegPlate for Sports: A Plant-Based Food Guide for Athletes
%X Background: Nutrition strategies improve physiological and biochemical adaptation to training, facilitate more intense workouts, promote faster recoveries after a workout in anticipation of the next, and help to prepare for a race and maintain the body’s hydration status. Although vegetarianism (i.e., lacto-ovo and veganism) has become increasingly popular in recent years, the number of vegetarian athletes is not known, and no specific recommendations have been made for vegetarian dietary planning in sports. Well-planned diets are mandatory to obtain the best performance, and the available literature reports that those excluding all types of flesh foods (meat, poultry, game, and seafood) neither find advantages nor suffer from disadvantages, compared to omnivorous diets, for strength, anaerobic, or aerobic exercise performance; additionally, some benefits can be derived for general health. Methods: We conceived the VegPlate for Sports, a vegetarian food guide (VFG) based on the already-validated VegPlate facilitating method, designed according to the Italian dietary reference intakes (DRIs). Results: The VegPlate for Sports is suitable for men and women who are active in sports and adhere to a vegetarian (i.e., lacto-ovo and vegan) diet, and provides weight-based, adequate dietary planning. Conclusions: The VegPlate for Sports represents a practical tool for nutrition professionals and gives the possibility to plan diets based on energy, carbohydrate (CHO), and protein (PRO) necessities, from 50 to 90 Kg body weight (BW).
%K VegPlate; sport; athlete; plant-based; vegetarian; vegan; lacto-ovo-vegetarian
%V 15
%D 2023
%L uneatlantico6648
%R doi:10.3390/nu15071746
%N 7
%A Luciana Baroni
%A Ettore Pelosi
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 1746
%J Nutrients

%J Food Chemistry
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Tarun Belwal
%A Miguel A. Prieto
%P 134181
%L uneatlantico3866
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134181
%D 2023
%V 403
%O Editorial
%X Functional foods have emerged as an attractive option for many consumers, given their wide-ranging and long-term benefits. The functional food market size was valued at USD 177,770 Million in 2019 and is estimated to reach USD 267,924.4 Million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 6.7% from 2021 to 2027. Various natural products/compounds exert significant functional activity, and could also added value to food products alone or in combination, provided functional activity. The use of natural compounds in preparation of functional foods is important due to its higher safety, superior organoleptic properties, and functional attributes, resulted in wider consumer acceptance. Also, the use of advanced technologies in formulation of functional foods provides a better means of utilizing natural compounds for organoleptic and functional attributes.
%T Valorization of food products using natural functional compounds for improving organoleptic and functional chemistry

%D 2023
%K Chemical composition, Extraction, Mathematical methods, Molecules, Organic acids
%R doi:10.1021/acsomega.3c00043
%L uneatlantico6448
%X Ocimum is considered the largest genus in the Lamiacea family. The genus includes basil, a group of aromatic plants with a wide range of culinary uses that nowadays draws attention for its medicinal and pharmaceutical potential. This systematic review intends to explore the chemical composition of nonessential oils and their variation across different Ocimum species. Moreover, we aimed to identify the state of knowledge regarding the molecular space in this genus as well as the different methods of extraction/identification and geographical location. Seventy-nine eligible articles were selected for the final analysis, from which we extracted more than 300 molecules. We found that the countries with the highest number of studies into Ocimum species are India, Nigeria, Brazil, and Egypt. However, from all known species of Ocimum, only 12 were found to have an extensive chemical characterization, particularly Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum. Our study focused especially on alcoholic, hydroalcoholic, and water extracts, in which the main techniques for compound identifications are GC-MS, LC-MS, and LC-UV. Across the compiled molecules, we found a wide variety of compounds, especially flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, suggesting that this genus could be a very useful source of possible bioactive compounds. The information collected in this review also emphasizes the huge gap between the vast number of Ocimum species discovered and the number of studies in each of them that determined the chemical characterization.
%T Exploring the Chemistry of Ocimum Species under Specific Extractions and Chromatographic Methods: A Systematic Review
%A Andrea Beltrán-Noboa
%A Alejandro Jordan-Álvarez
%A Mabel Guevara-Terán
%A Blanca Gallo
%A Luis A. Berrueta
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José M. Álvarez-Suarez
%A Eduardo Tejera
%J ACS Omega

%X Plant-based milk alternatives can be distinguished in two main categories, differing in production processes and regulation: plant-based formulas and plant-based drinks. They are now a widely accepted class of products on the international market. The various plant-based milk alternatives differ in nutritional characteristics due to their origin and manufacturing; more importantly, whereas formulas from plant and cow origin can be used interchangeably, plant-based drinks are nutritionally different from cow’s milk and can be consumed by children subsequently to the use of formula. Several scientific organizations have expressed differing opinions on the use of these products in the diets of children. In the face of unanimous conclusions regarding the use of these products during the first year of life, in subsequent ages there were conflicting opinions regarding the timing, quantities, and type of product to be used. From the viewpoint of the child’s overall diet and health, it could be suggested that these foods be considered not as simple substitutes for cow’s milk, but as part of a varied diet, within individual advice of use. We suggest accepting the presence of these products in a baby’s diet (omnivores included), planning their use correctly in the context of a balanced diet, according to the specific product and the needs of the individual.
%T Plant-Based Milk Alternatives in Child Nutrition
%R doi:10.3390/foods12071544
%L uneatlantico6770
%D 2023
%V 12
%K functional foods; plant-based formula; plant-based drinks; plant-based milk alternatives; child; infant; pediatric guidelines
%N 7
%J Foods
%P 1544
%A Marco Brusati
%A Luciana Baroni
%A Gianluca Rizzo
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino

%X Microwave (MW) and enzyme catalysis are two emerging processing tools in the field of food industry. Recently, MW has been widely utilized as a novel type of green and safe heating energy. However, the effect of MW irradiation on enzyme activity is not described clearly. The intrinsic mechanisms behind enzyme activation and inactivation remain obscure. To apply better MW to the field of enzyme catalysis, it is essential to gain insights into the mechanism of MW action on enzyme activity. This review summarizes the changes in various enzyme activity during food processing, especially under MW irradiation. The intrinsic mechanism of thermal and nonthermal effects of MW irradiation was analyzed from the perspective of enzyme reaction kinetics and spatial structure. MW irradiation temperature is a vital parameter affecting the catalytic activity of enzymes. Activation of the enzyme activity is achieved even at high MW power when the enzyme is operating at its optimum temperature. However, when the temperature exceeds the optimum temperature, the enzyme activity is inhibited. In addition to MW dielectric heating effect, nonthermal MW effects also alter the microenvironment of reactive system. Taken together, enzyme activity is influenced by both thermal and nonthermal MW effects
%T Mechanistic insights into the changes of enzyme activity in food processing under microwave irradiation
%L uneatlantico6771
%R doi:10.1111/1541-4337.13154
%D 2023
%K enzyme activity, mechanism, microwave irradiation, reaction kinetics, structure
%J Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
%A Hongwei Cao
%A Xiaoxue Wang
%A Jing Liu
%A Zhu Sun
%A Zhiquan Yu
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Hesham El‐Seedi
%A Xiao Guan

%J Nutrition
%A Manuela Cassotta
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Rachele De Giuseppe
%A Maria Dolores Navarro-Hortal
%A Yasmany Armas Diaz
%A Tamara Yuliett Forbes-Hernández
%A Kilian Tutusaus
%A Alina Eugenia Pascual Barrera
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%A Jianbo Xiao
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%P 111980
%L uneatlantico5793
%R doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.111980
%K diet; colitis-associated cancer; CAC; CRC; IBD-colorectal cancer
%D 2023
%T Possible role of nutrition in the prevention of Inflammatory Bowel Disease-related colorectal cancer: a focus on human studies
%X Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at substantially higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and IBD-associated CRC accounts for roughly 10-15% of the annual mortality in IBD patients. IBD-related CRC also affects younger patients if compared with sporadic CRC, with a 5-year survival rate of 50%. Regardless of medical therapies, the persistent inflammation state characterizing IBD raises the risk for precancerous changes and CRC, with additional input from several elements including genetic and environmental risk factors, IBD-associated comorbidities, intestinal barrier disfunction, and gut microbiota modifications. It is well known that nutritional habits and dietary bioactive compounds can influence IBD-associated inflammation, microbiome abundance and composition, oxidative stress balance, and gut permeability. In addition, in the last years, results from broad epidemiological and experimental studies have associated certain foods or nutritional patterns with the risk of colorectal neoplasia. Here we review the possible role of nutrition in the prevention of IBD-related CRC, focusing specifically on human studies. In conclusion it emerges that nutritional interventions based on healthy, nutrient-dense dietary patterns characterized by a high intake of fiber, vegetables, fruit, Omega-3 PUFAs, and low amount of animal proteins, processed foods and alcohol, combined with probiotic supplementation have the potential of reducing IBD-activity and preventing the risk of IBD-related CRC through different mechanisms, suggesting that targeted nutritional interventions may represent a novel promising approach for the prevention and management of IBD-associated CRC.

%R doi:10.3233/JBR-220087
%L uneatlantico5529
%K Anthocyanins, bioavailability, disease prevention, gut microbiota
%D 2023
%T Anthocyanins: what do we know until now?
%X Diets enriched in plant-based foods are associated with the maintenance of a good well-being and with the prevention of many non-communicable diseases. The health effects of fruits and vegetables consumption are mainly due to the presence of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, and polyphenols, plant secondary metabolites. One of the most important classes of phenolic compounds are anthocyanins, that confer the typical purple-red color to many foods, such as berries, peaches, plums, red onions, purple corn, eggplants, as well as purple carrots, sweet potatoes and red cabbages, among others. This commentary aims to briefly highlight the progress made by science in the last years, focusing on some unexpected aspects related with anthocyanins, such as their bioavailability, their health effects and their relationship with gut microbiota
%J Journal of Berry Research
%P 1-6
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A José L. Quiles
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Michele Machì
%A Ramón Pali-Casanova
%A Julio César Martínez Espinosa
%A Xiumin Chen
%A Di Zhang
%A Weibin Bai
%A Tian Lingmin
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Yasmany Armas Diaz

%N 11
%P 2557
%A Stefania Greco
%A Pamela Pellegrino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Franco Capocasa
%A Giovanni Delli Carpini
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo
%A Andrea Ciavattini
%A Pasquapina Ciarmela
%J Nutrients
%X Leiomyosarcoma is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma derived from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. We tested the effect of Romina strawberry extract treatment on three-dimensional cultured uterine leiomyosarcoma cells. We established 3D cultures in agarose gel, where the cells seeded were able to form spheroids. We performed the observation and counting of the spheroids with a phase-contrast optical microscope, finding a decrease in the number of spheroids formed in the plates after 24 and 48 h treatment with 250 µg/mL of cultivar Romina strawberry extract. We also characterized the spheroids morphology by DNA binding fluorescent-stain observation, hematoxylin and eosin stain, and Masson’s trichrome stain. Finally, the real-time PCR showed a reduced expression of extracellular matrix genes after strawberry treatment. Overall, our data suggest that the fruit extract of this strawberry cultivar may be a useful therapeutic adjuvant for the management of uterine leiomyosarcoma.
%T The In Vitro Effects of Romina Strawberry Extract on 3D Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Cells
%D 2023
%V 15
%K leiomyosarcoma; phytochemicals; strawberry; 3D culture
%L uneatlantico7353
%R doi:10.3390/nu15112557

%X Wine is a highly complex mixture of components with different chemical natures. These components largely define wine’s appearance, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel properties. Among them, aroma is among the most important indicators of wine’s sensory characteristics. The essence of winemaking ecosystem is the process of metabolic activities of diverse microbes including yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, and molds, which result in wines with complicated and diversified aromas. A better understanding of how these microbes affect wine’s aroma is a crucial step to producing premium quality wine. This study illustrates existing knowledge on the diversity and classification of wine aroma compounds and their microbial origin. Their contributions to wine characteristics are discussed, as well. Furthermore, we review the relationship between these microbes and wine aroma characteristics. This review broadens the discussion of wine aroma compounds to include more modern microbiological concepts, and it provides relevant background and suggests new directions for future research.
%T Aroma characteristics of volatile compounds brought by variations in microbes in winemaking
%D 2023
%V 420
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136075
%L uneatlantico6772
%P 136075
%A Shuxun Liu
%A Ying Lou
%A Yixian Li
%A Yan Zhao
%A Oskar Laaksonen
%A Ping Li
%A Jiaojiao Zhang
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Baoru Yang
%A Qing Gu
%J Food Chemistry

%T Oleuropein Attenuates Oxidative Stress in Human Trophoblast Cells
%X Olive-derived bioactive compound oleuropein was evaluated against damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in human trophoblast cells in vitro, by examining the changes in several markers implicated in oxidative stress interactions in the placenta. Trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells were preincubated with OLE at 10 and 100 µM and exposed to H2O2, as a model of oxidative stress. Protein and lipid peroxidation, as well as antioxidant enzymes’ activity, were determined spectrophotometrically, and DNA damage was evaluated by comet assay. iNOS protein expression was assessed by Western blot, while the mRNA expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes BAX and BCL2 and transcription factor NFE2L2, as well as cytokines IL-6 and TNF α were determined by qPCR. Oleuropein demonstrated cytoprotective effects against H2O2 in trophoblast cells by significantly improving the antioxidant status and preventing protein and lipid damage, as well as reducing the iNOS levels. OLE reduced the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF α, however, it did not influence the expression of NFE2L2 or the BAX/BCL2 ratio after H2O2 exposure. Oleuropein per se did not lead to any adverse effects in HTR-8/SVneo cells under the described conditions, confirming its safety in vitro. In conclusion, it significantly attenuated oxidative damage and restored antioxidant functioning, confirming its protective role in trophoblast
%L uneatlantico5528
%R doi:10.3390/antiox12010197
%V 12
%K oleuropein; trophoblast; oxidative stress; pregnancy
%D 2023
%N 1
%J Antioxidants
%P 197
%A Andrea Pirković
%A Aleksandra Vilotić
%A Sunčica Borozan
%A Mirjana Nacka-Aleksić
%A Žanka Bojić-Trbojević
%A Milica Jovanović Krivokuća
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Dragana Dekanski

%L uneatlantico6978
%R doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.112060
%D 2023
%K muscle mass; muscle function; type 1 diabetes; accelerated muscle aging; sarcopenia
%X Background
Structural, metabolic and functional signs of skeletal muscle damage have been identified in subjects affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D), but, to date, no guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of muscle impairment exist and studies on T1D and muscle health are still limited. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in a long-term T1D population and to assess the impact of some clinical parameters on muscle mass and function.

Methods
39 patients affected by T1D were enrolled, and Body Mass Index (BMI), body composition (Appendicular Lean Mass Index-ALMI and Fat Mass-FM) and muscle strength were measured. Additionally, the relationship between Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence and sarcopenia was assessed.

Results
In our sample (mean age 49.32±13.49 years, 41.1% women, mean duration of diabetes 30.13±12.28 years), the prevalence of sarcopenia was 7.7% (12.5 % in women and 4.35% in men), while the prevalence of low ALMI was 23.1% (25% in women and 21.74% in men). We found significant inverse correlations between ALMI and duration of diabetes and ALMI vs. FM; and significant positive correlations between ALMI and BMI, physical activity level and muscle strength. At the same time, significant inverse correlations were observed between muscle strength and duration of diabetes and muscle strength vs. FM.

Conclusions
We observed a high prevalence of low muscle mass, similar to those found in the older age groups of the general population (25 years in advance) and our findings suggest a possible pathogenetic role of T1D duration on muscle trophism and function.
%T Muscular involvement in long term type 1 diabetes: does it represent an underestimated complication?
%J Nutrition
%A Daniela Pollakova
%A Claudio Tubili
%A Ugo Di Folco
%A Rachele De Giuseppe
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%P 112060

%R doi:10.3390/ijms24054353
%L uneatlantico6096
%K olive leaves; bioactive compounds; Alzheimer’s Disease; oleuropein; hydroxytyrosol
%V 24
%D 2023
%T Molecular Mechanisms of the Protective Effects of Olive Leaf Polyphenols against Alzheimer’s Disease
%X Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the cause of around 60–70% of global cases of dementia and approximately 50 million people have been reported to suffer this disease worldwide. The leaves of olive trees (Olea europaea) are the most abundant by-products of the olive grove industry. These by-products have been highlighted due to the wide variety of bioactive compounds such as oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) with demonstrated medicinal properties to fight AD. In particular, the olive leaf (OL), OLE, and HT reduced not only amyloid-β formation but also neurofibrillary tangles formation through amyloid protein precursor processing modulation. Although the isolated olive phytochemicals exerted lower cholinesterase inhibitory activity, OL demonstrated high inhibitory activity in the cholinergic tests evaluated. The mechanisms underlying these protective effects may be associated with decreased neuroinflammation and oxidative stress via NF-κB and Nrf2 modulation, respectively. Despite the limited research, evidence indicates that OL consumption promotes autophagy and restores loss of proteostasis, which was reflected in lower toxic protein aggregation in AD models. Therefore, olive phytochemicals may be a promising tool as an adjuvant in the treatment of AD.
%J International Journal of Molecular Sciences
%P 4353
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Rosa Quirantes-Piné
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Vivian Lipari
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José L. Quiles
%N 5

%V 12
%K Aβ; tau; AAPH; oxidative stress; ROS; phytochemical; Alzheimer; tauopathies
%D 2023
%L uneatlantico5929
%R doi:10.3390/antiox12020404
%T In Vivo Anti-Alzheimer and Antioxidant Properties of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Honey from Southern Spain
%X There is growing evidence that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be prevented by reducing risk factors involved in its pathophysiology. Food-derived bioactive molecules can help in the prevention and reduction of the progression of AD. Honey, a good source of antioxidants and bioactive molecules, has been tied to many health benefits, including those from neurological origin. Monofloral avocado honey (AH) has recently been characterized but its biomedical properties are still unknown. The aim of this study is to further its characterization, focusing on the phenolic profile. Moreover, its antioxidant capacity was assayed both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, a deep analysis on the pathophysiological features of AD such as oxidative stress, amyloid-β aggregation, and protein-tau-induced neurotoxicity were evaluated by using the experimental model C. elegans. AH exerted a high antioxidant capacity in vitro and in vivo. No toxicity was found in C. elegans at the dosages used. AH prevented ROS accumulation under AAPH-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, AH exerted a great anti-amyloidogenic capacity, which is relevant from the point of view of AD prevention. AH exacerbated the locomotive impairment in a C. elegans model of tauopathy, although the real contribution of AH remains unclear. The mechanisms under the observed effects might be attributed to an upregulation of daf-16 as well as to a strong ROS scavenging activity. These results increase the interest to study the biomedical applications of AH; however, more research is needed to deepen the mechanisms under the observed effects
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Francisco J. Orantes
%A Adelaida Esteban-Muñoz
%A Cristina Mazas Pérez-Oleaga
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A Lorenzo Rivas-García
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José L. Quiles
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%P 404
%J Antioxidants
%N 2

%J Phytomedicine
%P 154520
%A Rajeev K. Singla
%A Ronita De
%A Thomas Efferth
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Md. Sahab Uddin
%A X. Sanusi
%A Fidele Ntie-Kang
%A Dongdong Wang
%A Fabien Schultz
%A Kiran R. Kharat
%A Hari Prasad Devkota
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Daniel Sur
%A Ronan Lordan
%A Sourav S Patnaik
%A Christos Tsagkaris
%A Chandragiri Siva Sai
%A Surya Kant Tripathi
%A Mihnea-Alexandru Găman
%A Mosa E.O. Ahmed
%A Elena González-Burgos
%A Smith B. Babiaka
%A Shravan Kumar Paswan
%A Joy Ifunanya Odimegwu
%A Faizan Akram
%A Jesus Simal-Gandara
%A Mágali S. Urquiza
%A Aleksei Tikhonov
%A Himel Mondal
%A Shailja Singla
%A Sara Di Lonardo
%A Eoghan J Mulholland
%A Merisa Cenanovic
%A Abdulkadir Yusif Maigoro
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Soojin Lee
%A Nikolay T. Tzvetkov
%A Anna Maria Louka
%A Pritt Verma
%A Hitesh Chopra
%A Scarlett Perez Olea
%A Johra Khan
%A José M. Alvarez Suarez
%A Xiaonan Zheng
%A Michał Tomczyk
%A Manoj Kumar Sabnani
%A Christhian Delfino Villanueva Medina
%A Garba M. Khalid
%A Hemanth Kumar Boyina
%A Milen I. Georgiev
%A Claudiu T. Supuran
%A Eduardo Sobarzo-Sánchez
%A Tai-Ping Fan
%A Valeria Pittala
%A Antoni Sureda
%A Nady Braidy
%A Gian Luigi Russo
%A Rosa Anna Vacca
%A Maciej Banach
%A Gérard Lizard
%A Amira Zarrouk
%A Sonia Hammami
%A Ilkay Erdogan Orhan
%A Bharat B. Aggarwal
%A George Perry
%A Mark JS Miller
%A Michael Heinrich
%A Anupam Bishayee
%A Anake Kijjoa
%A Nicolas Arkells
%A David Bredt
%A Michael Wink
%A Bernd l. Fiebich
%A Gangarapu Kiran
%A Andy Wai Kan Yeung
%A Girish Kumar Gupta
%A Antonello Santini
%A Massimo Lucarini
%A Alessandra Durazzo
%A Amr El-Demerdash
%A Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova
%A Alejandro Cifuentes
%A Eliana B. Souto
%A Muhammad Asim Masoom Zubair
%A Pravin Badhe
%A Javier Echeverría
%A Jarosław Olav Horbańczuk
%A Olaf K. Horbanczuk
%A Helen Sheridan
%A Sadeeq Muhammad Sheshe
%A Anna Maria Witkowska
%A Ibrahim M. Abu-Reidah
%A Muhammad Riaz
%A Hammad Ullah
%A Akolade R. Oladipupo
%A Víctor Lopez
%A Neeraj Kumar Sethiya
%A Bhupal Govinda Shrestha
%A Palaniyandi Ravanan
%A Subash Chandra Gupta
%A Qushmua E. Alzahrani
%A Preethidan Dama Sreedhar
%A Jianbo Xiao
%A Mohammad Amin Moosavi
%A Parasuraman Aiya Subramani
%A Amit Kumar Singh
%A Ananda Kumar Chettupalli
%A Jayanta Kumar Patra
%A Gopal Singh
%A Tomasz M. Karpiński
%A Fuad Al-Rimawi
%A Rambod Abiri
%A Atallah F. Ahmed
%A Davide Barreca
%A Sharad Vats
%A Said Amrani
%A Carmela Fimognari
%A Andrei Mocan
%A Lucian Hritcu
%A Prabhakar Semwal
%A Md. Shiblur Rahaman
%A Mila Emerald
%A Akinleye Stephen Akinrinde
%A Abhilasha Singh
%A Ashima Joshi
%A Tanuj Joshi
%A Shafaat Yar Khan
%A Gareeballah Osman Adam Balla
%A Aiping Lu
%A Sandeep Ramchandra Pai
%A Imen Ghzaiel
%A Niyazi Acar
%A Nour Eddine Es-Safi
%A Gokhan Zengin
%A Azazahemad A. Kureshi
%A Arvind Kumar Sharma
%A Bikash Baral
%A Neeraj Rani
%A Philippe Jeandet
%A Monica Gulati
%A Bhupinder Kapoor
%A Yugal Kishore Mohanta
%A Zahra Emam-Djomeh
%A Raphael Onuku
%A Jennifer R. Depew
%A Omar M. Atrooz
%A Bey Hing Goh
%A Jose Carlos Andrade
%A Bikramjit Konwar
%A VJ Shine
%A João Miguel Lousa Dias Ferreira
%A Jamil Ahmad
%A Vivek K. Chaturvedi
%A Krystyna Skalicka-Woźniak
%A Rohit Sharma
%A Rupesh K. Gautam
%A Sebastian Granica
%A Salvatore Parisi
%A Rishabh Kumar
%A Atanas G. Atanasov
%A Bairong Shen
%R doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154520
%L uneatlantico5021
%D 2023
%V 108
%K Natural productsOpen innovationSocial mediaHashtag analysisTwitter researchDigital tools
%X The development of digital technologies and the evolution of open innovation approaches have enabled the creation of diverse virtual organizations and enterprises coordinating their activities primarily online. The open innovation platform titled “International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce” (INPST) was established in 2018, to bring together in collaborative environment individuals and organizations interested in natural product scientific research, and to empower their interactions by using digital communication tools.

Methods
In this work, we present a general overview of INPST activities and showcase the specific use of Twitter as a powerful networking tool that was used to host a one-week “2021 INPST Twitter Networking Event” (spanning from 31st May 2021 to 6th June 2021) based on the application of the Twitter hashtag #INPST.

Results and Conclusion
The use of this hashtag during the networking event period was analyzed with Symplur Signals (https://www.symplur.com/), revealing a total of 6,036 tweets, shared by 686 users, which generated a total of 65,004,773 impressions (views of the respective tweets). This networking event's achieved high visibility and participation rate showcases a convincing example of how this social media platform can be used as a highly effective tool to host virtual Twitter-based international biomedical research events.
%T The International Natural Product Sciences Taskforce (INPST) and the power of Twitter networking exemplified through #INPST hashtag analysis

%P 112221
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A José M. Romero-Márquez
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A César L. Ramirez-Tortosa
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A José L. Quiles
%J Experimental Gerontology
%X The rise of life expectancy in current societies is not accompanied, to date, by a similar increase in healthspan, which represents a great socio-economic problem. It has been suggested that aging can be manipulated and then, the onset of all age-associated chronic disorders can be delayed because these pathologies share age as primary underlying risk factor. One of the most extended ideas is that aging is consequence of the accumulation of molecular damage. According to the oxidative damage theory, antioxidants should slow down aging, extending lifespan and healthspan. The present review analyzes studies evaluating the effect of dietary antioxidants on lifespan of different aging models and discusses the evidence on favor of their antioxidant activity as anti-aging mechanisms. Moreover, possible causes for differences between the reported results are evaluated.
%T Dietary antioxidants and lifespan: Relevance of environmental conditions, diet, and genotype of experimental models
%D 2023
%K Aging; Ageing; Longevity; Bioactive compounds; Nutrient-sensing pathways; Hormesis
%V 178
%R doi:10.1016/j.exger.2023.112221
%L uneatlantico7347

%A Yu Zhang
%A Ruojie Hao
%A Junda Chen
%A Sen Li
%A Kai Huang
%A Hongwei Cao
%A Mohamed A. Farag
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Maria Daglia
%A Esra Capanoglu
%A Fan Zhang
%A Qiqi Sun
%A Jianbo Xiao
%A Zhenliang Sun
%A Xiao Guan
%P 1-22
%J Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
%K Absorption; gut microbiota; metabolism; sapogenins; saponins
%D 2023
%L uneatlantico7314
%R doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2212063
%T Health benefits of saponins and its mechanisms: perspectives from absorption, metabolism, and interaction with gut
%X Saponins, consisting of sapogenins as their aglycones and carbohydrate chains, are widely found in plants and some marine organisms. Due to the complexity of the structure of saponins, involving different types of sapogenins and sugar moieties, investigation of their absorption and metabolism is limited, which further hinders the explanation of their bioactivities. Large molecular weight and complex structures limit the direct absorption of saponins rendering their low bioavailability. As such, their major modes of action may be due to interaction with the gastrointestinal environment, such as enzymes and nutrients, and interaction with the gut microbiota. Many studies have reported the interaction between saponins and gut microbiota, that is, the effects of saponins on changing the composition of gut microbiota, and gut microbiota playing an indispensable role in the biotransformation of saponins into sapogenins. However, the metabolic routes of saponins by gut microbiota and their mutual interactions are still sparse. Thus, this review summarizes the chemistry, absorption, and metabolic pathways of saponins, as well as their interactions with gut microbiota and impacts on gut health, to better understand how saponins exert their health-promoting functions.

%T The Role of Dietary Polyphenols in Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Disorders
%X Polyphenols are a group of phytochemicals with extensive biological functions and health-promoting potential. These compounds are present in most foods of plant origin and their increased widespread availability through the intake of nutritional supplements, fortified foods, and beverages, has also led to increased exposure throughout gestation. In this narrative review, we focus on the role of polyphenols in both healthy and pathological pregnancy. General information related to their classification and function is followed by an overview of their known effects in early-pregnancy events, including the current insights into molecular mechanisms involved. Further, we provide an overview of their involvement in some of the most common pregnancy-associated pathological conditions, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. Additionally, we also discuss the estimated possible risk of polyphenol consumption on pregnancy outcomes. The consumption of dietary polyphenols during pregnancy needs particular attention considering the possible effects of polyphenols on the mechanisms involved in maternal adaptation and fetal development. Further studies are strongly needed to unravel the in vivo effects of polyphenol metabolites during pregnancy, as well as their role on advanced maternal age, prenatal nutrition, and metabolic risk of the offspring.
%L uneatlantico5020
%R doi:10.3390/nu14245246
%K polyphenols; early pregnancy; trophoblast; gestational diabetes mellitus; preeclampsia
%V 14
%D 2022
%N 24
%J Nutrients
%P 5246
%A Mirjana Nacka-Aleksić
%A Andrea Pirković
%A Aleksandra Vilotić
%A Žanka Bojić-Trbojević
%A Milica Jovanović Krivokuća
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Dragana Dekanski

%P 100476
%A Xuan Zhang
%A Songen Wang
%A Qixia Wu
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Weibin Bai
%A Lingmin Tian
%J Food Chemistry: X
%D 2022
%V 16
%K Blueberry pomace; Anthocyanins; HPLCUl; trasound-assisted extraction; Box-Behnken Design
%R doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100476
%L uneatlantico4196
%X Food waste is a potential source to replace fresh materials for obtaining functional ingredients. Blueberry pomace contains considerable amounts of anthocyanins. In this study, we investigated ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of anthocyanins from blueberry pomace. We used a Box-Behnken design (BBD) to screen and optimize the important factors influencing yield. The optimum extraction conditions were a temperature of 40 °C, an ultrasonic power of 400 W and an extraction time of 40 min. The optimum yield was 108.23 mg/100 g DW. In addition, we used a cation column to separate anthocyanins, and optimized the chromatographic conditions of HPLC to analyze and identify the main anthocyanins. Thirteen anthocyanins were found in blueberry pomace, of which Malvidin-3-Galactoside (22.65 %) was the highest. These findings provide a theoretical basis and optimized process parameters for the recovery of high value-added anthocyanins from blueberry pomace with ultrasound-assisted extraction, thus facilitating the comprehensive utilization of blueberry pomace.
%T Recovering high value-added anthocyanins from blueberry pomace with ultrasound-assisted extraction

%X The chemical composition and biological capacities of berries depend on environmental parameters, maturity, and location. The Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth), also known as mortiño, presents a unique combination of several phytochemicals, which play a synergistic role in its characterization as a functional food. We aimed to expose the possible variations that exist in the profile of the phenolic compounds as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity of the wild Andean blueberry with respect to three ripeness stages and two different altitudes. We found that polyphenols are the predominant compounds in the berry during the early ripeness stage and are the main bioactive compounds that give rise to the antioxidant capacity and inhibition effect on the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, the accumulation of ascorbic acid, free amino acids, and anthocyanins increases as the ripening process progresses, and they were the main bioactive compounds in the ripe berry. The latter compounds influence the production of the typical bluish or reddish coloration of ripe blueberries. In addition, it was determined that environmental conditions at high altitudes could have a positive influence in all cases. Overall, our data provide evidence regarding the high functional value of the wild Andean blueberry.
%T Influence of Altitudes and Development Stages on the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Capacity of the Wild Andean Blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth)
%R doi:10.3390/molecules27217525
%L uneatlantico4406
%D 2022
%V 27
%K Andean blueberry; altitude; ripeness; chemical composition; antioxidant capacity; antimicrobial activity
%N 21
%J Molecules
%P 7525
%A Mabel Guevara-Terán
%A Katherine Padilla-Arias
%A Andrea Beltrán-Novoa
%A Ana M. González-Paramás
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Wilson Vásquez-Castillo
%A Paulina Fernandez-Soto
%A Eduardo Tejera
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez

%X Alzheimer's is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system considered the leading cause of dementia in the world. It is characterized by two etiopathological events related to oxidative stress: the aggregation of β-amyloid peptide and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein in the brain. The incidence of this disease increases with age and has been associated with inadequate lifestyles. Some natural compounds have been shown to improve the hallmarks of the disease. However, despite its potential, there is no scientific evidence about Manuka honey (MH) in this regard. In the present work we evaluated the effect of MH on the toxicity induced by Aβ aggregation and Tau in a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Our results demonstrated that MH was able to improve indicators of oxidative stress and delayed Aβ-induced paralysis in the AD model CL4176 through HSP-16.2 and SKN-1/NRF2 pathways. Nevertheless, its sugar content impaired the indicators of locomotion (an indicator of tau neurotoxicity) in both the transgenic strain BR5706 and in the wild-type N2 worms.
%T Amyloid β-but not Tau-induced neurotoxicity is suppressed by Manuka honey via HSP-16.2 and SKN-1/Nrf2 pathways in an in vivo model of Alzheimer's disease
%J Food & Function
%R doi:10.1039/D2FO01739C
%L uneatlantico4009
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A Pedro Muñoz-Ollero
%A Victoria Jiménez-Trigo
%A Adelaida Esteban-Muñoz
%A Kilian Tutusaus
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A Lorenzo Rivas-García
%A Juan Llopis
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A José L. Quiles
%D 2022

%P 113357
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A César L. Ramírez-Tortosa
%A Francisco M. Ramos-Pleguezuelos
%A Bélgica Márquez-Lobo
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José L. Quiles
%J Food and Chemical Toxicology
%T Differences reported in the lifespan and aging of male Wistar rats maintained on diets containing fat with different fatty acid profiles (virgin olive, sunflower or fish oils) are not reflected by histopathological lesions found at death in central nervous and endocrine systems
%X The present study was designed to examine if dietary fat sources that have shown differences in lifespan and if some aging-related aspects can modulate the range of histopathologic changes in central nervous and endocrine systems that occur during the lifespan of Wistar rats. Moreover, it was attempted to gain insight into the relationship between longevity and the development of the different pathological changes, as well as possible interaction with diet. In order to achieve this, male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups fed semisynthetic and isoenergetic diets from weaning until death with different dietary fat sources, namely virgin olive, sunflower, or fish oil. An individual follow-up until death of each animal was performed. Incidence, severity, and burden of specific or group (i.e., neoplastic or non-neoplastic proliferative and non-proliferative) of lesions was calculated along with individual's disease and individual organ lesion burden. Most of the histopathological lesions found have been described in previous studies. Neoplasms, and in particular pituitary adenomas followed by brain tumors, were the most prevalent lesions found in the rats and the main cause of death involving both systems. Incidence of brain lesions was associated with age-at-death. Assayed dietary fats did not present differential effects on pathological changes occurring in endocrine and central nervous systems throughout rat lifespan.
%V 168
%K Aging; Geropathology; Histopathology; Lipotoxicity; Nutrition
%D 2022
%L uneatlantico3488
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2022.113357

%J Trends in Food Science & Technology
%A Annalisa Gastaldello
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Rachele de Giuseppe
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%A Luciana Baroni
%A Maurizio Battino
%X Background
The drive to reduce the negative impact of the global food system on the environment and human health, and to feed a growing global population, has led to the rapid development of meat alternatives, including plant-based and mycoprotein-based products such as burgers, cured meat and nuggets. These are generally food items manufactured with highly refined ingredients, so health professionals interested in promoting plant-based diets, or a reduction in meat consumption, need a deeper understanding about the potential health effects of these products in order to present them to the public in an objective and helpful manner.

Scope and approaches
In this narrative review, a search of the current available scientific literature was performed with the aim of exploring all these foods by delving into the way they are manufactured, their nutritional characteristics, their impact on health, as well as trying to understand their place in modern, diets.

Key findings and conclusion
Processed meat alternatives, despite being highly refined products, can be a good source of healthy food groups and nutrients often underrepresented in omnivores diets such as grains, legumes, plant protein and fibre, although attention must be paid to their salt and saturated fat content. For people wanting to move away from a meat-heavy diet, the consumption of these items can represent a stepping stone towards the adoption of more healthful dietary patterns centred on whole plant-foods. In addition, they might help to increase compliance with the new lifestyle as they tend to replicate some of the organoleptic properties of meat.
%T The rise of processed meat alternatives: A narrative review of the manufacturing, composition, nutritional profile and health effects of newer sources of protein, and their place in healthier diets
%R doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2022.07.005
%L uneatlantico3006
%D 2022
%K Meat substitutes; Plant-based diets; Mycoprotein; Whole-plant foods; Alternative proteins

%D 2022
%K allergens, biological and toxicological risks, entomophagy, fats, flavonoids, proteins
%R doi:10.1002/fft2.167
%L uneatlantico2788
%X In a world where 1 billion people suffer from hunger, lands and seas are overexploited and production systems are unsustainable, and there is an urgent need to find alternative foods. In this context, insects represent a good source of macro- and micronutrients and even bioactive compounds that could contribute to reducing nutritional deficiency and preventing some human diseases. However, some aspects related to their consumption, including health risks, need to be clarified. This communication aims to summarize the nutritional/phytochemical profile of common edible insects and the main safety concerns, highlighting the possible strategies to promote entomophagy in a more conscious way.
%T Edible insects: A novel nutritious, functional, and safe food alternative
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José M. Alvarez‐Suarez
%A Michele Machì
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Maria D. Navarro‐Hortal
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Food Frontiers

%R doi:10.1007/s11101-022-09834-z
%L uneatlantico3544
%D 2022
%K Strawberry; Altitude; Physicochemical composition; Antioxidant capacity; Random model; Meta-analysis
%X Several climatic trends are generally associated with altitude, that may influence the nutritional and phytochemical composition of plants. Strawberry is considered a functional food due to biological activities and health benefits. This systematic review and meta-analysis intend to expose possible variations on physicochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of strawberries in regard to altitude. Thirty eligible studies were included for the final meta-analysis. Two altitude ranges were established: 0 – 1000 and 1000—2000 m above sea level. A random-effects model was used to obtain the results. It was discovered that total soluble solids significantly decreased with altitude. Total titratable acidity increased with altitude. Vitamin C and total anthocyanins showed a significant difference between the groups before we discarded some studies. The analysis of altitude for phenolics and antioxidant capacity evaluated for the DPPH radical scavenging method did not identify any significant differences between the studies. The findings suggest that altitude does not affect the physicochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of strawberries; nonetheless, a more exhaustive study is recommended.
%T Influence of altitude on the physicochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of strawberry: a preliminary systematic review and meta-analysis
%J Phytochemistry Reviews
%A Mabel Guevara-Terán
%A Ana M. Gonzalez-Paramás
%A Andrea Beltrán-Noboa
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Eduardo Tejera
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez

%P 5585
%A Jose Ramos Vivas
%A Olga Tapia Martínez
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A Kilian Tutusaus
%A Yasmany Armas Diaz
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%J Molecules
%N 17
%V 27
%K Hafnia alvei; quorum-sensing; probiotics; biopreservation; foodborne pathogens
%D 2022
%R doi:10.3390/molecules27175585
%L uneatlantico3545
%T The Molecular Weaponry Produced by the Bacterium Hafnia alvei in Foods
%X Hafnia alvei is receiving increasing attention from both a medical and veterinary point of view, but the diversity of molecules it produces has made the interest in this bacterium extend to the field of probiotics, the microbiota, and above all, to its presence and action on consumer foods. The production of Acyl Homoserine Lactones (AHLs), a type of quorum-sensing (QS) signaling molecule, is the most often-studied chemical signaling molecule in Gram-negative bacteria. H. alvei can use this communication mechanism to promote the expression of certain enzymatic activities in fermented foods, where this bacterium is frequently present. H. alvei also produces a series of molecules involved in the modification of the organoleptic properties of different products, especially cheeses, where it shares space with other microorganisms. Although some strains of this species are implicated in infections in humans, many produce antibacterial compounds, such as bacteriocins, that inhibit the growth of true pathogens, so the characterization of these molecules could be very interesting from the point of view of clinical medicine and the food industry. Lastly, in some cases, H. alvei is responsible for the production of biogenic amines or other compounds of special interest in food health. In this article, we will review the most interesting molecules that produce the H. alvei strains and will discuss some of their properties, both from the point of view of their biological activity on other microorganisms and the properties of different food matrices in which this bacterium usually thrives.

%J Food Chemistry
%P 132352
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Lucia Regolo
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A Franco Capocasa
%A Jianbo Xiao
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%T Organic vs conventional plant-based foods: A review
%X Organic farming is characterized by the prohibition of the use of chemical synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, feed additives and genetically modified organisms and by the application of sustainable agricultural technologies based on ecological principles and natural rules. Organic products are believed to be more nutritious and safer foods compared to the conventional alternatives by consumers, with the consequent increase of demand and price of these foodstuffs. However, in academic circles there is much debate on these issues, since there is not a clear scientific evidence of the difference on the environmental impact and on the nutritional quality, safety and health effects between conventional and organic foods. Therefore, this work aims to describe and update the most relevant data on organic foods, by describing the impact of this practice on environment, producers, consumers and society, as well as by comparing the physicochemical, nutritional and phytochemical quality of conventional and organic plant foods.
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132352
%L uneatlantico568
%V 383
%K Environmental impact; Nutritional quality; Residues; Safety; Sustainability
%D 2022

%P 1-20
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A Victoria Jiménez-Trigo
%A Jianbo Xiao
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A José L. Quiles
%J Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
%T Molecular bases for the use of functional foods in the management of healthy aging: Berries, curcumin, virgin olive oil and honey; three realities and a promise
%X As the number of older people has grown in recent decades, the search for new approaches to manage or delay aging is also growing. Among the modifiable factors, diet plays a crucial role in healthy aging and in the prevention of age-related diseases. Thus, the interest in the use of foods, which are rich in bioactive compounds such as functional foods with anti-aging effects is a growing market. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of action of foods considered as functional foods in aging, namely berries, curcumin, and virgin olive oil. Moreover, honey is also analyzed as a food with well-known healthy benefits, but which has not been deeply evaluated from the point of view of aging. The effects of these foods on aging are analyzed from the point of view of molecular mechanisms including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, genomic stability, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, and deregulated nutrient-sensing. A comprehensive study of the scientific literature shows that the aforementioned foods have demonstrated positive effects on certain aspects of aging, which might justify their use as functional foods in elderly. However, more research is needed, especially in humans, designed to understand in depth the mechanisms of action through which they act.
%K Dietary fat; hydroxytyrosol; monounsaturated fatty acids; nutraceutics; strawberry; turmeric
%D 2022
%L uneatlantico2804
%R doi:10.1080/10408398.2022.2098244

%X Traditionally, edible flowers have been used as foods and for therapeutic purposes, today they have gained importance due to their bioactive compounds such as flavonols, anthocyanins or other phenolic compounds, which give them potential for biomedical applications. This work evaluated a methanolic extract of Tulbaghia violacea. Eleven individual phenolic compounds were found and quantified by mass spectrometry in the extract. Antioxidant activity tests (TEAC, FRAP and DPPH) and other characterization parameters were assayed (total phenolic content and total flavonoid content). In vitro studies showed antitumoral activity against ovarian tumoral cells mediated by the induction of non-dependent caspase cell death and by the activation of reactive oxygen species. The effect of the extract against features of Alzheimer disease was in vivo assayed in Caenorhabditis elegans. Tulbaghia extract led to a reduction in the 1–42 beta amyloid peptide formation and prevented oxidative stress. These results suggested that Tulbaghia violacea could be a new source of phenolic compounds for nutraceuticals and functional food development.
%T Unravelling potential biomedical applications of the edible flower Tulbaghia violacea
%L uneatlantico567
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132096
%D 2022
%K Flower; Quercetin; Autophagy; ROS; Antioxidants; Alzheimer disease
%V 381
%J Food Chemistry
%P 132096
%A Lorenzo Rivas-García
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A M.D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Adelaida Esteban-Muñoz
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José L. Quiles
%A Juan Llopis
%A Cristina Sánchez-González

%A Andrea Beltrán-Noboa
%A John Proaño-Ojeda
%A Mabel Guevara
%A Blanca Gallo
%A Luis A. Berrueta
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Yunierkis Perez-Castillo
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José M. Álvarez-Suarez
%A Eduardo Tejera
%P 113039
%J Food and Chemical Toxicology
%X Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum are two basil species widely used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cardioprotective agent. This study focuses on the chemical characterization of the majoritarian compounds of both species and their anti-inflammatory potential. Up to 22 compounds such as various types of salvianolic acids, derivatives of rosmaniric acid and flavones were identified in both plants. The identified compounds were very similar between both plants and are consistent with previous finding in other studies in Portugal and Italy. Based on the identified molecules a consensus target prediction was carried out. Among the main predicted target proteins, we found a high representation of the carbonic anhydrase family (CA2, CA7 and CA12) and several key proteins from the arachidonic pathway (LOX5, PLA2, COX1 and COX2). Both pathways are well related to inflammation. The interaction between the compounds and these targets were explored through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Our results suggest that some molecules present in both plants can induce an anti-inflammatory response through a non-steroidal mechanism of action connected to the carbon dioxide metabolism.
%T Metabolomic profile and computational analysis for the identification of the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action of the traditional medicinal plants Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum
%D 2022
%V 164
%K Ocimum basilicum; Ocimum tenuiflorum; Phenolic composition; Anti-inflammatory response; Non-steroidal mechanism
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2022.113039
%L uneatlantico664

%P 131918
%A Emilio Gil-Martín
%A Tamara Forbes-Hernández
%A Alejandro Romero
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Food Chemistry
%D 2022
%V 378
%K Plant by-products; Phenolic compounds; Polyphenols; Extraction; Up-cycling; Technical-assisted methods
%L uneatlantico566
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131918
%X Agro-foodindustries generate colossal amounts of non-edible waste and by-products, easily accessible as raw materials for up-cycling active phytochemicals. Phenolic compounds are particularly relevant in this field given their abundance in plant residues and the market interest of their functionalities (e.g. natural antioxidant activity) as part of nutraceutical, cosmetological and biomedical formulations. In “bench-to-bedside” achievements, sample extraction is essential because valorization benefits from matrix desorption and solubilization of targeted phytocompounds. Specifically, the composition and polarity of the extractant, the optimal sample particle size and sample:solvent ratio, as well as pH, pressure and temperature are strategic for the release and stability of mobilized species. On the other hand, current green chemistry environmental rules require extraction approaches that eliminate polluting consumables and reduce energy needs. Thus, the following pages provide an update on advanced technologies for the sustainable and efficient recovery of phenolics from plant matrices.
%T Influence of the extraction method on the recovery of bioactive phenolic compounds from food industry by-products

%R doi:10.1016/j.crfs.2022.08.022
%L uneatlantico3588
%V 5
%K Column chromatography; 001X7; Anthocyanins; Copigments; Isolation; Scale-up
%D 2022
%T Recovery of value-added anthocyanins from mulberry by a cation exchange chromatography
%X Anthocyanins are often targets in polyphenol analysis. However, it's hard to effectively separate anthocyanin from copigments such as phenolic acid and flavanols due to their similar structure. Thus, a cation exchange chromatography with 001 × 7 has been developed, which is available for anthocyanins isolation both on a small and large scale. The optimal process condition of anthocyanins isolation was determined. Compared to the macroporous adsorbent resins and Strong Cation Exchange resin (SCX), 001X7 shows greater economic advantages in large-scale purification of anthocyanins. More than 95% purity of the anthocyanin fraction can be achieved through this approach. This method shows a path to provide large quantities of copigments-free anthocyanins from mulberry polyphenols for the further study of its biological effects and may be extended to other analytical methods of polyphenol isolation from other plant materials.
%J Current Research in Food Science
%P 1445-1451
%A Zhiwei Liao
%A Xuan Zhang
%A Xi Chen
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Weibin Bai
%A Lingmin Tian

%K Antioxidant capacity; Bioavailability; Dietary compounds; Food industry; Food interaction; Polyphenols
%V 375
%D 2022
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131904
%L uneatlantico565
%T The reciprocal interaction between polyphenols and other dietary compounds: Impact on bioavailability, antioxidant capacity and other physico-chemical and nutritional parameters
%X Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites, whose biological activity has been widely demonstrated. However, the research in this field is a bit reductive, as very frequently the effect of individual compound is investigated in different experimental models, neglecting more complex, but common, relationships that are established in the diet. This review summarizes the data that highlighted the interaction between polyphenols and other food components, especially macro- (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and fibers) and micronutrients (minerals, vitamins and organic pigments), paying particular attention on their bioavailability, antioxidant capacity and chemical, physical, organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. The topic of food interaction has yet to be extensively studied because a greater knowledge of the food chemistry behind these interactions and the variables that modify their effects, could offer innovations and improvements in various fields ranging from organoleptic, nutritional to health and economic field.
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Lucia Regolo
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Maria Dolores Navarro-Hortal
%A Jianbo Xiao
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%P 131904
%J Food Chemistry

%N 10
%J Nutrients
%A Annalisa Gastaldello
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José L. Quiles
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Silvia Aparicio Obregón
%A Eduardo García Villena
%A Kilian Tutusaus
%A Rachele De Giuseppe
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Seyed M. Nabavi
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 2028
%T Adherence to the Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern and Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
%X Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious degenerative disease affecting the eyes, and is the main cause of severe vision loss among people >55 years of age in developed countries. Its onset and progression have been associated with several genetic and lifestyle factors, with diet appearing to play a pivotal role in the latter. In particular, dietary eating patterns rich in plant foods have been shown to lower the risk of developing the disease, and to decrease the odds of progressing to more advanced stages in individuals already burdened with early AMD. We systematically reviewed the literature to analyse the relationship between the adherence to a Mediterranean diet, a mainly plant-based dietary pattern, and the onset/progression of AMD. Eight human observational studies were analysed. Despite some differences, they consistently indicate that higher adherence to a Mediterranean eating pattern lowers the odds of developing AMD and decreases the risk of progression to more advanced stages of the disease, establishing the way for preventative measures emphasizing dietary patterns rich in plant-foods
%L uneatlantico2117
%R doi:10.3390/nu14102028
%K macular degeneration; retinal disease; eye disease; maculopathy; drusen; Mediterranean diet; plant-based diets; dietary pattern; eating pattern
%V 14
%D 2022

%L uneatlantico564
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131753
%D 2022
%K Apoptosis; Cancer; Chemosensibility; Honey; Spheroids; Stemness.
%V 374
%X The aim of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro effect of Manuka honey and its combination with 5-Fu, the most common drug used in the treatment of colon cancer, on the morphological and physical parameters of colonspheres enriched with cancer stem-like cells deriving from HCT-116 colon adenocarcinoma cell line and on the apoptosis rate. Manuka honey, alone and more in combination with 5-Fu, reduced the weight, the diameter and mass density of the spheroids and induced apoptosis through the downregulation of many apoptosis inhibitors, including IAPs (Livin, Survivin, XIAP), IGFs (IGF-I, IGF-II and IGF-IR) and HSPs (HSP-27, HSP-60 and HSP-70). These results led to a reduction in the survival ability of cancer stem-like cells, as well as to a chemosensitizing effect of honey towards 5-Fu, considering that apoptosis resistance is one of the main causes of cancer stem-like cells chemoresistance.
%T Manuka honey in combination with 5-Fluorouracil decreases physical parameters of colonspheres enriched with cancer stem-like cells and reduces their resistance to apoptosis
%J Food Chemistry
%P 131753
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Lucia Regolo
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Denise Quinzi
%A Azzurra Sargenti
%A Weibin Bai
%A Lingmin Tian
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino

%L uneatlantico597
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2022.112914
%K Alzheimer disease; DAF-16/FOXO; HSP-16.2; IIS pathway; RNAi; SKN-1/NRF2
%V 162
%D 2022
%T An oleuropein rich-olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf extract reduces β-amyloid and tau proteotoxicity through regulation of oxidative- and heat shock-stress responses in Caenorhabditis elegans
%X Olive tree-derived products have been associated with numerous benefits for health. The aim of the present study was to characterize an olive leaf extract enriched in oleuropein (OLE) concerning phenolic content and profile as well as antioxidant capacity. Short-term and long-term toxicity, including oxidative stress, was in vivo evaluated in the experimental model Caenorhabditis elegans. Moreover, the potential therapeutic effect of the extract against Aβ induced- and tau protein induced-toxicity was also evaluated in C. elegans. OLE treatment did not exert toxicity. On the contrary, the extract was able to ameliorate oxidative stress and proteotoxicity related to Aβ and tau aggregation. The potential molecular mechanisms present behind the observed results explored by RNAi technology revealed that DAF-16/FOXO and SKN-1/NRF2, elements of the insulin insulin-like signalling pathway, as well as HSP-16.2 overexpression were involved.
%J Food and Chemical Toxicology
%P 112914
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Victoria Jiménez-Trigo
%A Laura Vera-Ramírez
%A Tamara J. Forbes-Hernández
%A Adelaida Esteban-Muñoz
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Pedro Bullón
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A José L. Quiles

%N 2
%P 18
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Diseases
%X When you are part of a community, especially a scientific one, you are required to contribute significantly to its welfare, because the community as a whole represents each individual within it and, in turn, determines the wellbeing of the participants themselves.
%T Feature Paper Special Issue for Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of Diseases
%O EDITORIAL
%D 2022
%V 10
%L uneatlantico655
%R doi:10.3390/diseases10020018

%J Food Chemistry
%P 131272
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A Adelaida Esteban-Muñoz
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A Lorenzo Rivas-García
%A Juan Llopis
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José L. Quiles
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131272
%L uneatlantico517
%K Berries; Antioxidant; Anthocyanins; Minerals; RNAi; ROS
%V 372
%D 2022
%T Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Romina) methanolic extract attenuates Alzheimer’s beta amyloid production and oxidative stress by SKN-1/NRF and DAF-16/FOXO mediated mechanisms in C. elegans
%X Bioactive compounds from strawberries have been associated with multiple healthy benefits. The present study
aimed to assess chemical characterization of a methanolic extract of the Romina strawberry variety in terms of
antioxidant capacity, polyphenols profile and chemical elements content. Additionally, potential toxicity, the
effect on amyloid-β production and oxidative stress of the extract was in vivo evaluated in the experimental model
Caenorhabditis elegans. Results revealed an important content in phenolic compounds (mainly ellagic acid and
pelargonidin-3-glucoside) and minerals (K, Mg, P and Ca). The treatment with 100, 500 or 1000 μg/mL of
strawberry extract did not show toxicity. On the contrary, the extract was able to delay amyloid β-protein
induced paralysis, reduced amyloid-β aggregation and prevented oxidative stress. The potential molecular
mechanisms present behind the observed results explored by RNAi technology revealed that DAF-16/FOXO and
SKN-1/NRF2 signaling pathways were, at least partially, involved.

%T An Olive-Derived Extract 20% Rich in Hydroxytyrosol Prevents β-Amyloid Aggregation and Oxidative Stress, Two Features of Alzheimer Disease, via SKN-1/NRF2 and HSP-16.2 in Caenorhabditis elegans
%X Olive milling produces olive oil and different by-products, all of them very rich in different bioactive compounds like the phenolic alcohol hydroxytyrosol. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an olive fruit extract 20% rich in hydroxytyrosol on the molecular mechanisms associated with Alzheimer disease features like Aβ- and tau- induced toxicity, as well as on oxidative stress in Caenorhabditis elegans. Moreover, characterization of the extracts, regarding the profile and content of phenolics, as well as total antioxidant ability, was investigated. The study of lethality, growth, pharyngeal pumping, and longevity in vivo demonstrated the lack of toxicity of the extract. One hundred μg/mL of extract treatment revealed prevention of oxidative stress and a delay in Aβ-induced paralysis related with a lower presence of Aβ aggregates. Indeed, the extract showed the ability to avoid a certain degree of proteotoxicity associated with aggregation of the tau protein. According to RNAi tests, SKN-1/NRF2 transcription factor and the overexpression of HSP-16.2 were mechanistically associated in the observed effects
%L uneatlantico656
%R doi:10.3390/antiox11040629
%K age-related diseases; antioxidants; HSP-16.2; neuroprotection; Olea europaea; olive by-products; polyphenols; RNAi; tau protein
%V 11
%D 2022
%N 4
%J Antioxidants
%P 629
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Victoria Jiménez-Trigo
%A Pedro Muñoz-Ollero
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Adelaida Esteban-Muñoz
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Irene Delgado Noya
%A Pedro Bullón
%A Laura Vera-Ramírez
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A José L. Quiles

%L uneatlantico533
%R doi:10.3390/antiox11020403
%D 2022
%V 11
%K Brazil nuts; selenium; glutathione peroxidase; antioxidant; oxidative stress; cholesterol; blood lipids; meta-analysis; clinical trial
%X Tree nuts, including Brazil nuts, have been hypothesized to impact cardiovascular health through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Nonetheless, a quantitative analysis of these effects has not been performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically revise and quantify the effect of Brazil nut intervention on selenium status, blood lipids, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation using a meta-analytical approach. To meet the goals of this study, a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases of published randomised clinical trials reporting on dietary interventions with Brazil nuts and their effects on selenium status, blood lipids, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation was performed. Eight articles were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. Based on the conducted analysis, a significant positive effect of Brazil nuts on selenium blood concentration (SMD = 6.93, 95% CI: 3.99; 9.87) was found. Additionally, a positive effect of Brazil nut intervention on glutathione peroxidase activity (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.07; 0.99) was observed. However, no significant results were found when considering blood lipid levels, including results for total cholesterol (SMD = −0.22, 95% CI: −0.57; 0.14), HDL cholesterol (SMD = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.28; 0.19) and LDL cholesterol (SMD = −0.15; 95% CI: −0.43; 0.13). In conclusion, the findings from this study suggest that Brazil nut consumption improves selenium status and exerts antioxidant effects, which could be considered a potential pathway for the prevention of metabolic disorders related to altered blood lipid profiles. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the effect of Brazil nuts toward blood lipid profile, also preferably controlling for other biomarkers.
%T Effect of Brazil Nuts on Selenium Status, Blood Lipids, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
%J Antioxidants
%P 403
%A Justyna Godos
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Agnieszka Micek
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A José L. Quiles
%A Nadia Paladino
%A Luca Falzone
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%N 2

%J International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
%P 1256
%A Gloria Cubas-Basterrechea
%A Iñaki Elío Pascual
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Silvia Aparicio Obregón
%A Carolina Teresa González-Antón
%A Pedro Muñoz-Cacho
%N 3
%R doi:10.3390/ijerph19031256
%L uneatlantico495
%D 2022
%K Elderly, Nuts, metabolic syndrome X, Aging, Spain
%V 19
%X Background: The aim of this study was to relate the adherence to nut consumption (30 g) three or more days per week to the prevalence of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in an elderly population from the north of Spain. Methods: The study consists of an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study conducted in 556 non-institutionalised individuals between 65 and 79 years of age. To define the consumption recommendation of nuts the indication of the questionnaire MEDAS-14 was followed. The diagnosis of MetS was conducted using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results: In 264 subjects aged 71.9 (SD: ±4.2) years old, 39% of whom were men, the adherence to nut consumption recommendations was 40.2%. Of these individuals, 79.5% had abdominal obesity. The prevalence of MetS was 40.2%, being 47.6% in men and 35.4% in women (p < 0.05). A nut consumption lower than recommended was associated with a 19% higher prevalence of abdominal obesity (Prevalence Ratio: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03−1.37; p < 0.05) and a 61% higher prevalence of MetS (Prevalence Ratio: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.16−2.25; p = 0.005) compared to a consumption of ≥3 servings per week. Conclusion: An inverse relationship was established between nut consumption and the prevalence of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome.
%T The Regular Consumption of Nuts Is Associated with a Lower Prevalence of Abdominal Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Older People from the North of Spain

%J Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José L. Quiles
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Tamara Yuliett Forbes-Hernández
%A Francisco Josè Orantes-Bermejo
%A José Miguel Alvarez-Suarez
%A Maurizio Battino
%R doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.1c05822
%L uneatlantico578
%K honeybee byproducts; bee pollen; propolis; bee bread; royal jelly; beeswax
%D 2022
%T Bee Products: An Emblematic Example of Underutilized Sources of Bioactive Compounds
%X Beside honey, honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are able to produce many byproducts, including bee pollen, propolis, bee bread, royal jelly, and beeswax. Even if the medicinal properties of these byproducts have been recognized for thousands of years by the ancient civilizations, in the modern era, they have a limited use, essentially as nutritional supplements or health products. However, these natural products are excellent sources of bioactive compounds, macro- and micronutrients, that, in a synergistic way, confer multiple biological activities to these byproducts, such as, for example, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This work aims to update the chemical and phytochemical composition of bee pollen, propolis, bee bread, royal jelly, and beeswax and to summarize the main effects exerted by these byproducts on human health, from the anticancer and immune-modulatory activities to the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, and anti-allergic properties.

%X Excess alcohol consumption is known to be detrimental to human health. However, the role of light-to-moderate alcohol intake is under investigation for potential certain health benefits—mostly related to the cardiovascular system. Nevertheless, there is no univocal agreement on this matter, and research is still ongoing to clarify whether there might be other potential outcomes affected by alcohol intake. In this regard, there is evidence that excess alcohol intake may negatively influence the risk of osteoporotic fractures. However, there is no comprehensive evidence of literature assessing the role of alcohol consumption in bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Thus, the aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the dose–response relationship between alcohol intake and BMD and risk of osteoporotic fractures. The Embase and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched from their inception to December 2021 for articles providing a quantifiable measurement of alcohol consumption for at least three categories and (1) a measurement of BMD (and dispersion as continuous variables) in some area of the body or (2) risk of osteoporotic fracture provided as relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) as the measure of the association of each category with alcohol intake. A total of 11 studies including 46,916 individuals with BMD assessment and 8 studies including 240,871 individuals with risk of fracture analysis were included. Compared to non-drinkers, consumption of up to two standard drinks of alcohol per day was correlated with higher lumbar and femur neck BMD values, while up to one standard drink of alcohol was correlated with higher hip BMD compared to no alcohol consumption. Higher risk of hip fractures was found starting from three standard drinks of alcohol per day (RR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04; 1.69 for three alcoholic drinks/d, and RR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.23; 2.05 for four alcoholic drinks/d) compared to no alcohol consumption, with no evidence of heterogeneity. Concerning the risk of any osteoporotic fractures, the risk steadily increased with higher intake of alcohol, although never reaching statistical significance. In conclusion, there is consistent evidence that increased alcohol consumption is associated with higher risk of osteoporotic hip fracture; however, the role of alcohol at lower doses is uncertain, as BMD was even higher in light drinkers compared to abstainers.
%T Alcohol Consumption, Bone Mineral Density, and Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures: A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis
%D 2022
%V 19
%K Alcohol; Osteoporosis; Bone mineral density; Meta-analysis; Bone health; Fractures
%L uneatlantico525
%R doi:10.3390/ijerph19031515
%N 3
%P 1515
%A Justyna Godos
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Emanuele Chisari
%A Agnieszka Micek
%A Nadia Paladino
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Sandro La Vignera
%A Giuseppe Musumeci
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%J International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

%R doi:10.3390/nu14030545
%L uneatlantico594
%D 2022
%K polyphenols; flavonoids; phenolic acids; hypertension; blood pressure; endothelial
%V 14
%X The aim of this review was to explore existing evidence from studies conducted on humans and summarize the mechanisms of action of dietary polyphenols on vascular health, blood pressure and hypertension. There is evidence that some polyphenol-rich foods, including berry fruits rich in anthocyanins, cocoa and green tea rich in flavan-3-ols, almonds and pistachios rich in hydroxycinnamic acids, and soy products rich in isoflavones, are able to improve blood pressure levels. A variety of mechanisms can elucidate the observed effects. Some limitations of the evidence, including variability of polyphenol content in plant-derived foods and human absorption, difficulty disentangling the effects of polyphenols from other dietary compounds, and discrepancy of doses between animal and human studies should be taken into account. While no single food counteracts hypertension, adopting a plant-based dietary pattern including a variety of polyphenol-rich foods is an advisable practice to improve blood pressure
%T The Effect of Dietary Polyphenols on Vascular Health and Hypertension: Current Evidence and Mechanisms of Action
%J Nutrients
%P 545
%A Giuseppe Grosso
%A Justyna Godos
%A Walter Currenti
%A Agnieszka Micek
%A Luca Falzone
%A Massimo Libra
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Sandro La Vignera
%A Fabio Galvano
%N 3

%P 104752
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Johura Ansary
%A Denise Quinzi
%A Adolfo Amici
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Adelaida Esteban-Muñoz
%A José Luis Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%J Journal of Functional Foods
%T Anti-inflammatory activities of Italian Chestnut and Eucalyptus honeys on murine RAW 264.7 macrophages
%X The aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time the anti-inflammatory effects of chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus occidentalis) honeys collected in Italy on murine RAW 264.7 macrophages stressed with the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pre-treatment with the two honeys markedly decreased apoptosis and stimulated wound healing in macrophages stressed with LPS, where they also reduced the intracellular levels of ROS and nitrite. Additionally, treatment with LPS decreased the levels of glutathione and suppressed the antioxidant enzyme activities, which were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the presence of the two honeys, through the modulation of Nrf2 expression; in LPS-stressed macrophages, Chestnut or Eucalyptus honeys protected against inflammation by regulating the main inflammatory biomarkers, including TNF-α, IL-10 and iNOS, through the decrease of NF-кB expression. Finally, they improved mitochondrial respiration and the main related parameters.
%V 87
%K Honey; Inflammation;  Mitochondrial respiration; Apoptosis; Wound healing; Antioxidant enzymes
%D 2021
%L uneatlantico627
%R doi:10.1016/j.jff.2021.104752

%T Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis Share Intracellular Disorders as the Main Meeting Point
%X Diabetes and periodontitis are two of the most prevalent diseases worldwide that negatively impact the quality of life of the individual suffering from them. They are part of the chronic inflammatory disease group or, as recently mentioned, non-communicable diseases, with inflammation being the meeting point among them. Inflammation hitherto includes vascular and tissue changes, but new technologies provide data at the intracellular level that could explain how the cells respond to the aggression more clearly. This review aims to emphasize the molecular pathophysiological mechanisms in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontitis, which are marked by different impaired central regulators including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired immune system and autophagy pathways, oxidative stress, and the crosstalk between adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). All of them are the shared background behind both diseases that could explain its relationship. These should be taken in consideration if we would like to improve the treatment outcomes. Currently, the main treatment strategies in diabetes try to reduce glycemia index as the most important aspect, and in periodontitis try to reduce the presence of oral bacteria. We propose to add to the therapeutic guidelines the handling of all the intracellular disorders to try to obtain better treatment success.
%V 10
%K periodontal disease; diabetes; mitochondrial dysfunction; oxidative stress; AMPK; autophagy
%D 2021
%L uneatlantico532
%R doi:10.3390/cells10092411
%N 9
%A Juliana Portes
%A Beatriz Bullón
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Pedro Bullón
%P 2411
%J Cells

%D 2021
%K Caloric restriction; Fasting; Autophagy; Immune system; Gut microbiota; Cancer stem cells.
%L uneatlantico126
%R doi:10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.017
%X Fasting, caloric restriction and foods or compounds mimicking the biological effects of caloric restriction, known as caloric restriction mimetics, have been associated with a lower risk of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and cognitive decline, and a longer lifespan. Reduced calorie intake has been shown to stimulate cancer immunosurveillance, reducing the migration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells towards the tumor bulk. Autophagy stimulation via reduction of lysine acetylation, increased sensitivity to chemo- and immunotherapy, along with a reduction of insulin-like growth factor 1 and reactive oxygen species have been described as some of the major effects triggered by caloric restriction. Fasting and caloric restriction have also been shown to beneficially influence gut microbiota composition, modify host metabolism, reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lower diastolic blood pressure and elevate morning cortisol level, with beneficial modulatory effects on cardiopulmonary fitness, body fat and weight, fatigue and weakness, and general quality of life. Moreover, caloric restriction may reduce the carcinogenic and metastatic potential of cancer stem cells, which are generally considered responsible of tumor formation and relapse. Here, we reviewed in vitro and in vivo studies describing the effects of fasting, caloric restriction and some caloric restriction mimetics on immunosurveillance, gut microbiota, metabolism, and cancer stem cell growth, highlighting the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these effects. Additionally, studies on caloric restriction interventions in cancer patients or cancer risk subjects are discussed. Considering the promising effects associated with caloric restriction and caloric restriction mimetics, we think that controlled-randomized large clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the inclusion of these non-pharmacological approaches in clinical practice.
%T Effects of caloric restriction on immunosurveillance, microbiota and cancer cell phenotype: Possible implications for cancer treatment
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Rubén Calderón Iglesias
%A Roberto Ruiz Salces
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A Irma Dominguez Azpíroz
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A José L. Quiles
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 45-57
%J Seminars in Cancer Biology

%J Molecules
%P 5138
%A Jose Ramos Vivas
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A María Luisa Sámano Celorio
%A Alina Eugenia Pascual Barrera
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%N 17
%L uneatlantico287
%R doi:10.3390/molecules26175138
%V 26
%K Bacteriophage, Endolysin, Enzybiotics, Biopreservation
%D 2021
%T Phages and Enzybiotics in Food Biopreservation
%X Presently, biopreservation through protective bacterial cultures and their antimicrobial products or using antibacterial compounds derived from plants are proposed as feasible strategies to maintain the long shelf-life of products. Another emerging category of food biopreservatives are bacteriophages or their antibacterial enzymes called “phage lysins” or “enzybiotics”, which can be used directly as antibacterial agents due to their ability to act on the membranes of bacteria and destroy them. Bacteriophages are an alternative to antimicrobials in the fight against bacteria, mainly because they have a practically unique host range that gives them great specificity. In addition to their potential ability to specifically control strains of pathogenic bacteria, their use does not generate a negative environmental impact as in the case of antibiotics. Both phages and their enzymes can favor a reduction in antibiotic use, which is desirable given the alarming increase in resistance to antibiotics used not only in human medicine but also in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and in general all processes of manufacturing, preservation, and distribution of food. We present here an overview of the scientific background of phages and enzybiotics in the food industry, as well as food applications of these biopreservatives.

%T The central role of mitochondria in the relationship between dietary lipids and cancer progression
%X Evidence demonstrates the importance of lipid metabolism and signaling in cancer cell biology. De novo lipogenesis is an important source of lipids for cancer cells, but exogenous lipid uptake remains essential for many cancer cells. Dietary lipids can modify lipids present in tumor microenvironment affecting cancer cell metabolism. Clinical trials have shown that diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can negatively affect tumor growth. However, certain n-6 PUFAs can also contribute to cancer progression. Identifying the molecular mechanisms through which lipids affect cancer progression will provide an opportunity for focused dietary interventions that could translate into the development of personalized diets for cancer control. However, the effective mechanisms of action of PUFAs have not been fully clarified yet. Mitochondria controls ATP generation, redox homeostasis, metabolic signaling, apoptotic pathways and many aspects of autophagy, and it has been recognized to play a key role in cancer. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence linking dietary lipids effects on mitochondrial aspects with consequences for cancer progression and the molecular mechanisms that underlie this association.
%K Apoptosis; Autophagy; Bioenergetics; Lipogenesis; Redox biology.
%D 2021
%L uneatlantico110
%R doi:10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.01.001
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Laura Vera-Ramírez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José L. Quiles
%J Seminars in Cancer Biology

%R doi:10.3390/ijms22126473
%L uneatlantico522
%V 22
%K Dietary lipids; Hallmarks of aging; Oxidative stress; Saturated fat diet
%D 2021
%T Molecular Interactions between Dietary Lipids and Bone Tissue during Aging
%X Age-related bone disorders such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis are a major public health problem due to the functional disability for millions of people worldwide. Furthermore, fractures are associated with a higher degree of morbidity and mortality in the long term, which generates greater financial and health costs. As the world population becomes older, the incidence of this type of disease increases and this effect seems notably greater in those countries that present a more westernized lifestyle. Thus, increased efforts are directed toward reducing risks that need to focus not only on the prevention of bone diseases, but also on the treatment of persons already afflicted. Evidence is accumulating that dietary lipids play an important role in bone health which results relevant to develop effective interventions for prevent bone diseases or alterations, especially in the elderly segment of the population. This review focuses on evidence about the effects of dietary lipids on bone health and describes possible mechanisms to explain how lipids act on bone metabolism during aging. Little work, however, has been accomplished in humans, so this is a challenge for future research.
%J International Journal of Molecular Sciences
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Alberto Badillo-Carrasco
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Irma Dominguez Azpíroz
%A Lorena Madrigal-Hoyos
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José L. Quiles
%P 6473
%N 12

%X In recent times, scientific attention has been paid to different foods and their bioactive components for the ability to inhibit the onset and progress of different types of cancer. Nigella sativa extract, powder and seed oil and its main components, thymoquinone and α-hederin, have showed potent anticancer and chemosensitizing effects against various types of cancer, such as liver, colon, breast, renal, cervical, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and skin tumors, through the modulation of various molecular signaling pathways. Herein, the purpose of this review was to highlight the anticancer activity of Nigella sativa and it constitutes, focusing on different in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies and projects, in order to underline their antiproliferative, proapoptotic, cytotoxic and antimetastatic effects. Particular attention has been also given to the synergistic effect of Nigella sativa and it constitutes with chemotherapeutic drugs, and to the synthesized analogs of thymoquinone that seem to enhance the chemo-sensitizing potential. This review could be a useful step towards new research on N. sativa and cancer, to include this plant in the dietary treatments in support to conventional therapies, for the best achievement of therapeutic goals.
%T Nutritional Value and Preventive Role of Nigella sativa L. and Its Main Component Thymoquinone in Cancer: An Evidenced-Based Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies
%R doi:10.3390/molecules26082108
%L uneatlantico77
%D 2021
%K Nigella sativa, Nutritional composition, Anticancer properties, Molecular pathways, Combined therapy.
%V 26
%N 8
%J Molecules
%A Johura Ansary
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Lucia Regolo
%A Denise Quinzi
%A Santos Gracia Villar
%A Eduardo Garcia Villena
%A Kilian Tutusaus
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Danila Cianciosi
%P 2108

%T The Molecular Basis of Different Approaches for the Study of Cancer Stem Cells and the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Three-Dimensional Culture
%X Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare tumor subpopulation with high differentiation, proliferative and tumorigenic potential compared to the remaining tumor population. CSCs were first discovered by Bonnet and Dick in 1997 in acute myeloid leukemia. The identification and isolation of these cells in this pioneering study were carried out through the flow cytometry, exploiting the presence of specific cell surface molecular markers (CD34+/CD38−). In the following years, different strategies and projects have been developed for the study of CSCs, which are basically divided into surface markers assays and functional assays; some of these techniques also allow working with a cellular model that better mimics the tumor architecture. The purpose of this mini review is to summarize and briefly describe all the current methods used for the identification, isolation and enrichment of CSCs, describing, where possible, the molecular basis, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique with a particular focus on those that offer a three-dimensional culture.
%K Cancer stem cells, Identification, Isolation, Enrichment, Methodology, Three-dimensional culture, Surface molecular markers, Functional assays.
%V 26
%D 2021
%R doi:10.3390/molecules26092615
%L uneatlantico105
%N 9
%P 2615
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Johura Ansary
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Lucia Regolo
%A Denise Quinzi
%A Santos Gracia Villar
%A Eduardo Garcia Villena
%A Kilian Tutusaus Pifarre
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%J Molecules

%T Nutrition and Rheumatoid Arthritis in the ‘Omics’ Era
%X Modern high-throughput ‘omics’ science tools (including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and microbiomics) are currently being applied to nutritional sciences to unravel the fundamental processes of health effects ascribed to particular nutrients in humans and to contribute to more precise nutritional advice. Diet and food components are key environmental factors that interact with the genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and the microbiota, and this life-long interplay defines health and diseases state of the individual. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease featured by a systemic immune-inflammatory response, in genetically susceptible individuals exposed to environmental triggers, including diet. In recent years increasing evidences suggested that nutritional factors and gut microbiome have a central role in RA risk and progression. The aim of this review is to summarize the main and most recent applications of ‘omics’ technologies in human nutrition and in RA research, examining the possible influences of some nutrients and nutritional patterns on RA pathogenesis, following a nutrigenomics approach. The opportunities and challenges of novel ‘omics technologies’ in the exploration of new avenues in RA and nutritional research to prevent and manage RA will be also discussed.
%V 13
%K Rheumatoid Arthritis; Diet; Nutrigenomics; Proteomics; Metabolomics; Microbiome; Microbiomics
%D 2021
%L uneatlantico519
%R doi:10.3390/nu13030763
%N 3
%P 763
%A Manuela Cassotta
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Irma Dominguez Azpíroz
%A Beatriz Bullon
%A Lucia Regolo
%A Josè Miguel Alvarez-Suarez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Nutrients

%L uneatlantico558
%R doi:10.1016/bs.afnr.2020.12.001
%I ELSEVIER
%D 2021
%V 95
%K Inflammation; Inflammatory cells; Inflammatory markers; Inflammatory signal pathways; Minerals; Nucleotides; Omega-3 fatty acids; Polyphenols; Surface pattern receptors; Vitamins.
%X Inflammation is a key mechanism of the immune system that can be elicited by several factors, among them several chemical, physical and biological agents. Once stimulated, the inflammatory response activates a series of signaling pathways and a number of immune cells which promote, in a very coordinated manner, the neutralization of the infectious agent. However, if uncontrolled, the inflammatory status may become chronic leading, potentially, to tissue damage and disease onset. Several risk factors are associated with the development of chronic inflammation and, among these factors, diet plays an essential role. In this chapter the effects of some dietary bioactive compounds, including micronutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, nucleotides and polyphenols, on the immunoinflammatory responses in different cellular, animal and human studies have been summarized.
%T Immunoinflammatory effects of dietary bioactive compounds
%J Advances in Food and Nutrition Research
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Johura Ansary
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 295-336

%N 1
%A Beatriz Castejón-Vega
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José L. Quiles
%A Beatriz Bullon
%A Mario D. Cordero
%A Pedro Bullón
%P 95
%J Antioxidants
%T Potential Role of the Mitochondria for the Dermatological Treatment of Papillon-Lefèvre
%X The Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the Cathepsin C (CTSC) gene, characterized by periodontitis and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. The main inflammatory deficiencies include oxidative stress and autophagic dysfunction. Mitochondria are the main source of reactive oxygen species; their impaired function is related to skin diseases and periodontitis. The mitochondrial function has been evaluated in PLS and mitochondria have been targeted as a possible treatment for PLS. We show for the first time an important mitochondrial dysfunction associated with increased oxidative damage of mtDNA, reduced CoQ10 and mitochondrial mass and aberrant morphologies of the mitochondria in PLS patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction, determined by oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in PLS fibroblasts, was treated with CoQ10 supplementation, which determined an improvement in OCR and a remission of skin damage in a patient receiving a topical administration of a cream enriched with CoQ10 0.1%. We provide the first evidence of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and CoQ10 deficiency in the pathophysiology of PLS and a future therapeutic option for PLS.
%V 10
%K Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome, Mitochondria, Coenzyme Q10.
%D 2021
%R doi:10.3390/antiox10010095
%L uneatlantico104

%A Lorenzo Rivas-García
%A José L. Quiles
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Jörg Bettmer
%A María Montes-Bayón
%A Juan Llopis
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%P 90
%J Pharmaceutics
%N 1
%K Copy number, Metals, Mitochondria, MtDNA deletions, Nanotechnology, Respiration.
%V 13
%D 2021
%L uneatlantico109
%R doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13010090
%T Ultra-Small Iron Nanoparticles Target Mitochondria Inducing Autophagy, Acting on Mitochondrial DNA and Reducing Respiration
%X The application of metallic nanoparticles (materials with size at least in one dimension ranging from 1 to 100 nm) as a new therapeutic tool will improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The mitochondria could be a therapeutic target to treat pathologies whose origin lies in mitochondrial dysfunctions or whose progression is dependent on mitochondrial function. We aimed to study the subcellular distribution of 2-4 nm iron nanoparticles and its effect on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), mitochondrial function, and autophagy in colorectal cell lines (HT-29). Results showed that when cells were exposed to ultra-small iron nanoparticles, their subcellular fate was mainly mitochondria, affecting its respiratory and glycolytic parameters, inducing the migration of the cellular state towards quiescence, and promoting and triggering the autophagic process. These effects support the potential use of nanoparticles as therapeutic agents using mitochondria as a target for cancer and other treatments for mitochondria-dependent pathologies.

%J Food and Chemical Toxicology
%P 112018
%A Lorenzo Rivas-García
%A José L. Quiles
%A Catarina Roma-Rodrigues
%A Luis R. Raposo
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A Jose M. Romero-Márquez
%A Adelaida Esteban-Muñoz
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Laura Carrera García
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Tamara Y. Forbes Hernandez
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Juan Llopis
%A Alexandra R. Fernandes
%A Pedro V. Baptista
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2021.112018
%L uneatlantico108
%K Antioxidants; Autophagy; Edible flowers; Flavonoids; Polyphenols; ROS.
%V 149
%D 2021
%T Rosa x hybrida extracts with dual actions: Antiproliferative effects against tumour cells and inhibitor of Alzheimer disease
%X Edible flowers are being used as a new ingredient in modern gastronomy. Recently, these products have also gained interest as an important source of phenolic compounds with potential for biomedical applications. The present work studied a methanolic extract of Rosa x hybrida in which 35 individual phenolic compounds were identified. The extract has been evaluated for its antiproliferative properties in ovarian carcinoma cells. Results showed that the antiproliferative effect was associated with the induction of autophagy and apoptosis with the concomitant ROS increase probably related to mitochondria dysfunction. These antiproliferative effects might be associated with some components of the extract such as quercetin. The extract did not induce damage in healthy cells and that it was able to improve the wound healing activity. The present study also evaluated the properties of the mentioned extract in vivo in C. elegans. Tests demonstrated a lack of toxicity in the worm model. Promising results have been obtained in transgenic strains of C. elegans that produce human beta amyloid peptide, suggesting the possible utility of the extract from the point of view of Alzheimer disease. Altogether, results suggest that Rosa x hybrida extracts could be a new tool for the development of functional foods.

%T Links between Nutrition, Infectious Diseases, and Microbiota: Emerging Technologies and Opportunities for Human-Focused Research
%X The interaction between nutrition and human infectious diseases has always been recognized. With the emergence of molecular tools and post-genomics, high-resolution sequencing technologies, the gut microbiota has been emerging as a key moderator in the complex interplay between nutrients, human body, and infections. Much of the host–microbial and nutrition research is currently based on animals or simplistic in vitro models. Although traditional in vivo and in vitro models have helped to develop mechanistic hypotheses and assess the causality of the host–microbiota interactions, they often fail to faithfully recapitulate the complexity of the human nutrient–microbiome axis in gastrointestinal homeostasis and infections. Over the last decade, remarkable progress in tissue engineering, stem cell biology, microfluidics, sequencing technologies, and computing power has taken place, which has produced a new generation of human-focused, relevant, and predictive tools. These tools, which include patient-derived organoids, organs-on-a-chip, computational analyses, and models, together with multi-omics readouts, represent novel and exciting equipment to advance the research into microbiota, infectious diseases, and nutrition from a human-biology-based perspective. After considering some limitations of the conventional in vivo and in vitro approaches, in this review, we present the main novel available and emerging tools that are suitable for designing human-oriented research.
%L uneatlantico78
%R doi:10.3390/nu12061827
%V 12
%K Macrobiotica, Infectious diseases, Nutrition, Human-bases methods, Gut-on-a-chip, gut-organoids, Third generation sequencing.
%D 2020
%N 6
%J Nutrients
%A Manuela Cassotta
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Ruben Calderón Iglesias
%A Roberto Ruiz
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 1827

%P 104579
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Rubén Calderón Iglesias
%A Roberto Ruiz Salces
%A Maria Elexpuru Zabaleta
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Pharmacological Research
%T Pharmacological, non-pharmacological and stem cell therapies for the management of autism spectrum disorders: A focus on human studies
%X In the last decade, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has dramatically escalated worldwide. Currently available drugs mainly target some co-occurring symptoms of ASD, but are not effective on the core symptoms, namely impairments in communication and social interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. On the other hand, transplantation of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells in ASD children has been shown promising to stimulate the recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation of tissue-residing native stem cells, reducing inflammation, and improving some ASD symptoms. Moreover, several comorbidities have also been associated with ASD, such as immune dysregulation, gastrointestinal issues and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as dietary supplementations with certain vitamins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, probiotics, some phytochemicals (e.g., luteolin and sulforaphane), or overall diet interventions (e.g., gluten free and casein free diets) have been considered for the reduction of such comorbidities and the management of ASD. Here, interventional studies describing pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in ASD children and adolescents, along with stem cell-based therapies, are reviewed.
%K Autism spectrum disorder; Pharmacological interventions; Non-Pharmacological strategies; Stem cell therapies; Dietary supplementations; Exclusion diets.
%V 152
%D 2020
%R doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104579
%L uneatlantico125

%J Pharmacological Research
%P 104582
%A Antoni Sureda
%A Maria Daglia
%A Sandro Argüelles Castilla
%A Nima Sanadgol
%A Seyed Fazel Nabavi
%A Haroon Khan
%A Tarun Belwal
%A Philippe Jeandet
%A Anna Marchese
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Tamara Forbes-Hernandez
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
%A Grazia D’Onofrio
%A Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
%R doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104582
%L uneatlantico574
%K Alzheimer’s disease; Amyloid-β; Oral microbiome; Periodontal disease
%V 151
%D 2020
%T Oral microbiota and Alzheimer’s disease: Do all roads lead to Rome?
%X Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative pathology affecting milions of people worldwide associated with deposition of senile plaques. While the genetic and environmental risk factors associated with the onset and consolidation of late onset AD are heterogeneous and sporadic, growing evidence also suggests a potential link between some infectious diseases caused by oral microbiota and AD. Oral microbiota dysbiosis is purported to contribute either directly to amyloid protein production, or indirectly to neuroinflammation, occurring as a consequence of bacterial invasion. Over the last decade, the development of Human Oral Microbiome database (HOMD) has deepened our understanding of oral microbes and their different roles during the human lifetime. Oral pathogens mostly cause caries, periodontal disease, and edentulism in aged population, and, in particular, alterations of the oral microbiota causing chronic periodontal disease have been associated with the risk of AD. Here we describe how different alterations of the oral microbiota may be linked to AD, highlighting the importance of a good oral hygiene for the prevention of oral microbiota dysbiosis.

%X ncreasing evidence connects periodontitis with a variety of systemic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The proposal of this study was to evaluate the role of diets rich in saturated fat and cholesterol in some aspects of periodontal diseases in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced model of periodontal disease in rabbits and to assess the influence of a periodontal intervention on hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and NAFLD progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Male rabbits were maintained on a commercial standard diet or a diet rich in saturated fat (3% lard w/w) and cholesterol (1.3% w/w) (HFD) for 40 days. Half of the rabbits on each diet were treated 2 days per week with intragingival injections of LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis. Morphometric analyses revealed that LPS induced higher alveolar bone loss (ABL) around the first premolar in animals receiving standard diets, which was exacerbated by the HFD diet. A higher score of acinar inflammation in the liver and higher blood levels of triglycerides and phospholipids were found in HFD-fed rabbits receiving LPS. These results suggest that certain dietary habits can exacerbate some aspects of periodontitis and that bad periodontal health can contribute to dyslipidemia and promote NAFLD progression, but only under certain conditions.
%T A Diet Rich in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Aggravates the Effect of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide on Alveolar Bone Loss in a Rabbit Model of Periodontal Disease
%L uneatlantico117
%R doi:10.3390/nu12051405
%D 2020
%V 12
%K Atherogenic; Atherosclerosis; NASH; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; Periodontal diseases; Periodontitis; Rabbits.
%N 5
%J Nutrients
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Pedro Bullón
%A César L. Ramírez-Tortosa
%A María D. Navarro-Hortal
%A María Robles-Almazán
%A Beatriz Bullón
%A Mario D. Cordero
%A Maurizio Battino
%A José L. Quiles
%P 1405

%R doi:10.1089/ars.2017.7234
%L uneatlantico81
%D 2019
%K Autophagy; Natural bioactive compounds; Disease prevention; Molecular target; Epignetic modifcation.
%V 30
%X Significance: In eukaryotes, autophagy represents a highly evolutionary conserved process, through which macromolecules and cytoplasmic material are degraded into lysosomes and recycled for biosynthetic or energetic purposes. Dysfunction of the autophagic process has been associated with the onset and development of many human chronic pathologies, such as cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer.

Recent Advances: Currently, comprehensive research is being carried out to discover new therapeutic agents that are able to modulate the autophagic process in vivo. Recent evidence has shown that a large number of natural bioactive compounds are involved in the regulation of autophagy by modulating several transcriptional factors and signaling pathways.

Critical Issues: Critical issues that deserve particular attention are the inadequate understanding of the complex role of autophagy in disease pathogenesis, the limited availability of therapeutic drugs, and the lack of clinical trials. In this context, the effects that natural bioactive compounds exert on autophagic modulation should be clearly highlighted, since they depend on the type and stage of the pathological conditions of diseases.

Future Directions: Research efforts should now focus on understanding the survival-supporting and death-promoting roles of autophagy, how natural compounds interact exactly with the autophagic targets so as to induce or inhibit autophagy and on the evaluation of their pharmacological effects in a more in-depth and mechanistic way. In addition, clinical studies on autophagy-inducing natural products are strongly encouraged, also to highlight some fundamental aspects, such as the dose, the duration, and the possible synergistic action of these compounds with conventional therapy.
%T Autophagy in Human Health and Disease: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities
%J Antioxidants & Redox Signaling
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Patricia Reboredo-Rodriguez
%A Alfonso Varela-Lopez
%A Jose L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 577-634
%N 4

%P 3-19
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Manuel Masías Vergara
%A Pablo Agudo-Toyos
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
%N 1
%D 2019
%K flavonoids; hyperthyroidism; hypothyroidism; isoflavones; phytochemicals; thyroid cancer
%V 1443
%L uneatlantico555
%R doi:10.1111/nyas.13980
%X About 1 of 10 women, particularly those older than 60 years of age, shows some degree of thyroid hormone deficiency. Thyroid diseases are generally characterized by perturbations of thyroid signaling homeostasis. The most common examples of thyroid diseases include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and several types of thyroid cancers. Phytochemicals have been shown to have either beneficial or detrimental effects on thyroid function. Some flavonoids have been reported to affect the expression and the activity of several thyroid-related enzymes and proteins, and for this reason some concerns have been raised about the possible thyroid-disruptive properties of foods enriched in these substances. On the other hand, the beneficial effects of some plant-derived compounds, such as myricetin, quercetin, apigenin, rutin, genistein, and curcumin, and their possible role as adjuvants for the treatment of thyroid cancers have been described. Here, the role of phytochemicals in thyroid signaling modulation and their possible beneficial or detrimental effects on thyroid disease risk are discussed.
%T Effects of phytochemicals on thyroid function and their possible role in thyroid disease

%P 272-279
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Andrea Brenciani
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Ana M. González-Paramás
%A Celestino Santos-Buelga
%A Gianluca Morroni
%A Serena Simoni
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Eleonora Giovanetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%J LWT
%X Several polifloral honeys from the Apis mellifera and Melipona beecheii bee were analyzed to evaluate their pollen profile, physicochemical parameters, chemical composition and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Flavonoids and other phenolic derivatives, 16 compounds in Apis mellifera honeys and 19 compounds in Melipona beecheii honeys, were identified using the HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The physicochemical parameters were within the ranges reported for these honeys, showing some of the distinctive characteristics of M. beecheii honeys compared to A. mellifera honeys, such as their high moisture and acidity. M. beecheii honey showed the highest values of total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, free amino acid and protein contents compared to A. mellifera honey. M. beecheii honey also exhibited a higher antimicrobial activity. Our result shows that M. beecheii honeys is an important source of bioactive compounds with relevant biological properties compared to A. mellifera honey.
%T Apis mellifera vs Melipona beecheii Cuban polifloral honeys: A comparison based on their physicochemical parameters, chemical composition and biological properties
%D 2018
%V 87
%K Honey; Polyphenols; Mollipona beecherii; Total antioxidant capacity; Antimicrobial activity.
%R doi:10.1016/j.lwt.2017.08.079
%L uneatlantico82

%J Plant Foods for Human Nutrition
%P 18-24
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Maurizio Battino
%N 1
%L uneatlantico83
%R doi:10.1007/s11130-018-0657-2
%V 73
%K Guava fruit; Antioxidant capacity; Human dermal fibroblast; Oxidative stress.
%D 2018
%T Guava (Psidium guajava L. cv. Red Suprema) Crude Extract Protect Human Dermal Fibroblasts against Cytotoxic Damage Mediated by Oxidative Stress
%X We analyzed guava fruits (Psidium guajava L. cv. Red Suprema) from Cuba to determine their chemical composition, total antioxidant capacity, as well as their protective effect against oxidative damage using an in vitro model of human dermal fibroblasts. The guava fruit is a natural source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, vitamin C, folates and beta carotenes with proven health benefits. Human dermal fibroblasts were pre-incubated with different concentrations of guava crude extract and then subjected to oxidative stress using the AAPH stressor. The number of apoptotic and dead cells, as well as the markers of oxidative damage such as lipid and protein oxidation significantly decreased when cells were pre-incubated with guava crude extract and then exposed to the stressor. The activity of antioxidant enzymes also improved when cells were pre-incubated with guava crude extract in comparison to cells subjected to stress without prior pre-incubation with the guava extract. The results obtained in this study highlight the health benefits of guava regarding oxidative stress, proving it to be an important source of bioactive compounds associated with important biological properties.

%X Organisms are constantly exposed to a broad range of pathological and stress-inducing agents, allergens and environmental chemicals that can induce infections, toxicity or other undesirable reactions. Our immune system has evolved over time in order to efficiently respond to these exogenous insults and maintain homeostasis. In particular, the innate immune system acts as primary barrier to prevent the entrance of invasive agents or allergens. This system is comprised of a diversity of cell types that are rapidly activated by recognition of common structures present in many potential pathogens known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a relevant basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that is essential in the regulation of cell cycle homeostasis, cytoprotection, and innate immunity when cells are under stressful conditions. Although the role of Nrf2 in activating the expression of protective genes – such as antioxidant or anti-inflammatory – is known, its role in innate immunity and immune-related gene expression remains not yet clear. The present review summarizes current knowledge on Nrf2 signaling pathway structure and activity under both physiological state and upon oxidative stress. In addition, the relation between Nrf2 signaling pathway and the innate immune system is discussed, highlighting the potential therapeutic effects of diverse natural and synthetic compounds as Nrf2 regulators.
%T Nrf2 as regulator of innate immunity: A molecular Swiss army knife!
%L uneatlantico84
%R doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.12.012
%D 2018
%K Immune system; Inflammation; Natural compounds; Nuclear factor; Oxidative stress.
%V 36
%N 2
%J Biotechnology Advances
%P 358-370
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Antoni Sureda
%A Marcos Roberto de Oliveira
%A Valeria Pittalà
%A Francesca Fallarino
%A Seyed Fazel Nabavi
%A Atanas Georgiev Atanasov
%A Seyed Mohammad Nabavi

%N 17
%J Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
%P 2908-2924
%A Lei Chen
%A Hui Teng
%A Zhen Jia
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Anca Miron
%A Zhiling Yu
%A Hui Cao
%A Jianbo Xiao
%T Intracellular signaling pathways of inflammation modulated by dietary flavonoids: The most recent evidence
%X Dietary flavonoids, which occur in many plant foods, are considered as the most active constituents among the plant-derived ones in vitro and in vivo. To date, many studies have addressed the anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids. However, their considerable structural diversity and in vivo bioavailability make them able to modulate different signaling pathways. The present review attempted to summarize and highlight a broad range of inflammation-associated signaling pathways modulated by flavonoids. Finally, based on the current scientist's literature, structure-activity relationships were concluded. Dietary flavonoids have the ability to attenuate inflammation by targeting different intracellular signaling pathways triggered by NF-κB, AP-1, PPAR, Nrf2, and MAPKs. Identification of the main structural features required for the modulation of these inflammation-related pathways (hydroxylation pattern, C2=C3 double bond) have an important role to play in the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.
%L uneatlantico85
%R doi:10.1080/10408398.2017.1345853
%K Flavonoids; Inflammation; Intracellular signaling pathways; Strectyre-activity relationship.
%V 58
%D 2018

%X Honey is a natural substance appreciated for its therapeutic abilities since ancient times. Its content in flavonoids and phenolic acids plays a key role on human health, thanks to the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that they exert. Honey possesses antimicrobial capacity and anticancer activity against different types of tumors, acting on different molecular pathways that are involved on cellular proliferation. In addition, an antidiabetic activity has also been highlighted, with the reduction of glucose, fructosamine, and glycosylated hemoglobin serum concentration. Honey exerts also a protective effect in the cardiovascular system, where it mainly prevents the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, in the nervous system, in the respiratory system against asthma and bacterial infections, and in the gastrointestinal system. A beneficial effect of honey can also be demonstrated in athletes. The purpose of this review is to summarize and update the current information regarding the role of honey in health and diseases.
%T Phenolic Compounds in Honey and Their Associated Health Benefits: A Review
%D 2018
%V 23
%K Honey; Antioxidants; Polyphenols; Antimicrobial activities; Cancer; Diabetes; Disease prevention.
%L uneatlantico86
%R doi:10.3390/molecules23092322
%N 9
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Patricia Reboredo-Rodriguez
%A Piera Manna
%A Jiaojiao Zhang
%A Leire Bravo Lamas
%A Susana Martínez Flórez
%A Pablo Agudo Toyos
%A José Quiles
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 2322
%J Molecules

%T Strawberry extracts efficiently counteract inflammatory stress induced by the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide in Human Dermal Fibroblast
%X A protracted pro-inflammatory state is the common denominator in the development, progression and complication of the common chronic diseases. Dietary antioxidants represent an efficient tool to counteract this inflammatory state. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of strawberry extracts on inflammation evoked by E. Coli lipopolysaccharide in Human Dermal Fibroblast, by measuring reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis rate, antioxidant enzymes activity, mitochondria functionality and also investigating the molecular pathway involved in inflammatory and antioxidant response. The results demonstrated that strawberry pre-treatment reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, apoptotic rate, improved antioxidant defences and mitochondria functionality in lipopolysaccharide -treated cells. Strawberry exerted these protective activities through the inhibition of the NF-kB signalling pathway and the stimulation of the Nrf2 pathway, with a mechanism AMPK-dependent. These results confirm the health benefits of strawberry in the prevention of inflammation and oxidative stress condition in lipopolysaccharide-treated cells.
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2018.02.038
%L uneatlantico129
%V 114
%K Strawberry; LPS; Human Dermal Fibroblast; Inflammation; Oxidative stress; Antioxidant response; Prevention.
%D 2018
%J Food and Chemical Toxicology
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Patricia Reboredo-Rodriguez
%A Alfonso Varela-Lopez
%A JiaoJiao Zhang
%A Josè L. Quiles
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Stefano Bompadre
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 128-140

%D 2018
%V 23
%K Berry; Polyphenols; In vitro gastrointestinal digestion; Bioavailability; Cytotoxicity.
%R doi:10.3390/molecules23081918
%L uneatlantico130
%X Berry fruits are rich in nutrients and polyphenols, providing potential health benefits. Understanding the factors that affect their bioavailability is becoming of utmost importance for evaluating their biological significance and efficacy as functional food. In this study, the phytochemical composition and the total antioxidant capacity of different varieties of five berries (blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry) were evaluated after an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process. The cultivar of each berry that showed the higher content of total phenols and flavonoids was selected to study its cytotoxic effect on human hepatoma cells. Digestion resulted in a high reduction (p ˂ 0.05) of total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents and total antioxidant capacity, in the “IN” samples compared to the “OUT” extracts, which represent the “serum-available” and the “colon-available” fractions, respectively. Incubation of the digested fraction for 24 h didn’t exert any effect on cellular viability, while a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity was observed after 48 h and 72 h of incubation for all the berries analyzed. Our results suggest that the approach proposed in this work may represent a rapid tool for evaluating and identifying new berries with increased phytochemical bioavailability, highlighting their antiproliferative agents after an in vitro digestion.
%T Phytochemical Composition and Cytotoxic Effects on Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells of Different Berries Following a Simulated In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion
%P 1918
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Derek Stewart
%A Gordon McDougall
%A Rex Brennan
%A Lesley Blyth
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Franco Capocasa
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Stefano Bompadre
%A Pedro Nogueira Brás de Oliveira
%A Claudia N. Santos
%A Manuel Masias Vergara
%A Pablo Agudo Toyos
%A Jorge Crespo-Álvarez
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Molecules
%N 8

%K Anthocyanidin synthase; Anticancer effects; Apoptosis; Flavonoids; RNA-seq.
%V 66
%D 2018
%R doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04177
%L uneatlantico87
%T Overexpression of the Anthocyanidin Synthase Gene in Strawberry Enhances Antioxidant Capacity and Cytotoxic Effects on Human Hepatic Cancer Cells
%X Food fortification through the increase and/or modulation of bioactive compounds has become a major goal for preventing several diseases, including cancer. Here, strawberry lines of cv. Calypso transformed with a construct containing an anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene were produced to study the effects on anthocyanin biosynthesis, metabolism, and transcriptome. Three strawberry ANS transgenic lines (ANS L5, ANS L15, and ANS L18) were analyzed for phytochemical composition and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and their fruit extracts were assessed for cytotoxic effects on hepatocellular carcinoma. ANS L18 fruits had the highest levels of total phenolics and flavonoids, while those of ANS L15 had the highest anthocyanin concentration; TAC positively correlated with total polyphenol content. Fruit transcriptome was also specifically affected in the polyphenol biosynthesis and in other related metabolic pathways. Fruit extracts of all lines exerted cytotoxic effects in a dose/time-dependent manner, increasing cellular apoptosis and free radical levels and impairing mitochondrial functionality.
%P 581-592
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Franco Capocasa
%A Silvia Sabbadini
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Carlo Rosati
%A Tiziana Pandolfini
%A Barbara Molesini
%A José Federico Sánchez-Sevilla
%A Iraida Amaya
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
%N 3

%J Food and Chemical Toxicology
%P 126-133
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José L. Quiles
%A Francisco J. Orantes-Bermejo
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Cristina Sánchez-González
%A Juan Llopis
%A Lorenzo Rivas-García
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Patricia Reboredo-Rodriguez
%A Cristina Torres Fernández-Piñar
%A Rubén Caderón Iglesia
%A Roberto Ruiz Salces
%A Silvia Aparicio Obregón
%A Jorge Crespo-Álvarez
%A Luis Dzul Lopez
%A Jianbo Xiao
%A Maurizio Battino
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.12.041
%L uneatlantico131
%K Honey; Beeswax; Food waste; Recycling process; Chemical and phytochemical composition; Biological properties.
%V 112
%D 2018
%T Are by-products from beeswax recycling process a new promising source of bioactive compounds with biomedical properties?
%X During the process of beeswax recycling, many industrial derivatives are obtained. These matrices may have an interesting healthy and commercial potential but to date they have not been properly studied. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the proximal and phytochemical composition, the antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effects of two by-products from beeswax recycling process named MUD 1 and MUD 2 on liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Our results showed that MUD 1 presented the highest (P < .05) fiber, protein, carbohydrate, polyphenol and flavonoid concentration, as well as the highest (P < .05) total antioxidant capacity than the MUD 2 samples. MUD1 exerted also anticancer activity on HepG2 cells, by reducing cellular viability, increasing intracellular ROS levels and affecting mitochondrial functionality in a dose-dependent manner. We showed for the first time that by-products from beeswax recycling process can represent a rich source of phytochemicals with high total antioxidant capacity and anticancer activity; however, further researches are necessary to evaluate their potentiality for human health by in vivo studies.

%K Dementia; Alzheimer’s disease; Cognitive functions; Nutrient supplementations; Mediterranean diet; DASH diet; MIND diet
%V 131
%D 2018
%R doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2018.03.012
%L uneatlantico573
%T Nutritional patterns associated with the maintenance of neurocognitive functions and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: A focus on human studies
%X Ample epidemiological evidence suggests a strong correlation among diet, lifestyle factors and the onset and consolidation of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It has been demonstrated that AD, diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease are strongly interconnected pathologies. Preventive strategies and nutritional interventions seem to be promising approaches to delay neurocognitive decline and reduce the risk of AD and other non-psychiatric co-morbidities. In this regard, healthy dietary patterns, characterized by high intake of plant-based foods, probiotics, antioxidants, soy beans, nuts, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a low intake of saturated fats, animal-derived proteins, and refined sugars, have been shown to decrease the risk of neurocognitive impairments and eventually the onset of AD. Here we review the role of some nutrients and, in particular, of healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet and other emerging healthy diets, DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) and MIND (Mediterranean-DASH dietIntervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), for the maintenance of cognitive performance, focusing specifically on human studies. The beneficial effects associated with overall diet composition, rather than single nutrient supplementations, for the prevention or the delay of AD and dementia are discussed.
%P 32-43
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Rubén Calderón Iglesias
%A Roberto Ruiz Salces
%A Silvia Aparicio-Obregón
%A Jorge Crespo-Álvarez
%A Luis Alonso Dzul Lopez
%A Piera Pia Manna
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Pharmacological Research

%D 2017
%K Prunus serotina; Capuli cherry; Antioxidant capacity; Oxidative stress; Inflammation.
%V 102
%L uneatlantico88
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.01.024
%X Capuli cherry (Prunus serotina Ehr. subsp. capuli (Cav.) McVaugh) fruits from the inter-Andean region of Ecuador were analysed to determine their bioactive compounds content, total antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging activity and their anti-inflammatory and protective effects against the cytotoxic damage mediated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Capuli fruits proved to be a natural source of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, vitamin C and β-carotene as well as to present an important total antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging activities. RAW 264.7 macrophages were incubated with different concentration of Capuli crude extract and subsequently activated by LPS to determine the markers related to oxidative damage and the proinflammatory cytokine production. The markers of oxidative damage, nitrite levels, the interleukin 1β messenger RNA levels and the tumor necrosis factor α mRNA levels and secretion were significantly decreased after the pre-incubated with Capuli extract and subsequently stimulated with LPS. In summary, Capuli extract attenuated the LPS-induced damage in RAW 264.7 macrophages due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, showing that Capuli fruits may represent a relevant source of bioactive compounds with promising benefits for human health.
%T Anti-inflammatory effect of Capuli cherry against LPS-induced cytotoxic damage in RAW 264.7 macrophages
%P 46-52
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Estefanía Carrillo-Perdomo
%A Angel Aller
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Lien González-Pérez
%A Pablo Beltrán-Ayala
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Food and Chemical Toxicology

%P 432-436
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Josè M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Corrado Rubini
%A Antonio Zizzi
%A Josè L. Quiles
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Data in Brief
%V 13
%K Strawberry consumption; Aging; Body weight; Liver functionality.
%D 2017
%L uneatlantico89
%R doi:10.1016/j.dib.2017.06.021
%T Data on body weight and liver functionality in aged rats fed an enriched strawberry diet
%X Here, we present new original data on the effects of strawberry consumption on body weight and liver status of aged rats. Wistar rats aged 19–21 months were fed a strawberry enriched diet prepared by substituting 15% of the total calories with freeze-dried strawberry powder for two months. Body weight, plasma biomarkers of liver injury (alanine transferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) and liver histological analysis were assessed. These data indicate that strawberry supplementation did not interfere with normal animal maintenance and with liver structure and functionality. For further details and experimental findings please refer to the article “Strawberry consumption improves aging-associated impairments, mitochondrial biogenesis and functionality through the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase signaling cascade” in FOOD CHEMISTRY

%J Food and Chemical Toxicology
%P 418-424
%A Hui Teng
%A Qiyang Lin
%A Kang Li
%A Benyao Yuan
%A Hongbo Song
%A Hongquan Peng
%A Lunzhao Yi
%A Ming-Chi Wei
%A Yu-Chiao Yang
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Carlos L. Cespedes Acuña
%A Lei Chen
%A Jianbo Xiao
%X Raspberry seed is a massive byproduct of raspberry juice and wine but usually discarded. The present study employed a microwave-assisted method for extraction of raspberry seed oil (RSO). The results revealed that omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid and γ-linolenic acid) were the major constituents in RSO. Cellular antioxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were investigated in HepG2 cells treated with RSO. Induction of the synthesis of several antioxidants in H2O2-exposed HepG2 cells was found. RSO increased the enzyme activity of SOD, CAT, and GPx in H2O2-exposed HepG2. Furthermore, RSO inhibited the phosphorylation of upstream mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Taken together, the possible mechanisms to increase antioxidant enzyme activities in HepG2 may through the suppression of ERK and JNK phosphorylation. Raspberry seed oil exhibited good effects on the activities of the intracellular antioxidant enzymes and seems to protect the liver from oxidative stress through the inhibition of MAPKs.
%T Hepatoprotective effects of raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miq.) seed oil and its major constituents
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.09.010
%L uneatlantico90
%D 2017
%K Raspberry seeds; Fatty acids; Extraction; Antioxidant enzyme; Hepatoprotection
%V 110

%T Strawberry-Tree Honey Induces Growth Inhibition of Human Colon Cancer Cells and Increases ROS Generation: A Comparison with Manuka Honey
%X Honey is a natural product known to modulate several biological activities including cancer. The aim of the present study was to examine the phytochemical content and the antioxidant activity of Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) honey (STH) and its cytotoxic properties against human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT-116) and metastatic (LoVo) cell lines in comparison with Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey (MH). Several unifloral STH and MH were analyzed for their phenolic, flavonoid, amino acid and protein contents, as well as their radical scavenging activities. STH from the Berchidda area showed the highest amount of phenolic, flavonoid, amino acid and protein content, and antioxidant capacity compared to MH. Both STH and MH induced cytotoxicity and cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HCT-116 and LoVo cells, with less toxicity on non-cancer cells. Compared to MH, STH showed more effect at lower concentrations on HCT-116 and LoVo cells. In addition, both honeys increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In HCT-116 cells, STH and MH induced similar ROS production but in LoVo cells STH induced a higher percentage of ROS compared to MH. Our results indicate that STH and MH can induce cell growth inhibition and ROS generation in colon adenocarcinoma and metastatic cells, which could be due to the presence of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. These preliminary results are interesting and suggest a potential chemopreventive action which could be useful for further studies in order to develop chemopreventive agents for colon cancer.
%R doi:10.3390/ijms18030613
%L uneatlantico132
%K Manuka honey; Strawberry tree honey; Polyphenols; Antioxidant activity; Cytotoxicity; Reactive oxygen species; colon cancer.
%V 18
%D 2017
%N 3
%J International Journal of Molecular Sciences
%P 613
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Stefano Bompadre
%A José Quiles
%A Gavino Sanna
%A Nadia Spano
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino

%P 3250-3258
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Celestino Santos-Buelga
%A Ana M. González-Paramás
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Timothy Páez-Watson
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Food & Function
%N 9
%D 2017
%V 8
%L uneatlantico133
%R doi:10.1039/c7fo00859g
%X Acerola fruits (Malpighia emarginata DC.) from the central region of Cuba were analyzed to determine their chemical composition and protective capacity against oxidative damage using an in vitro human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) model. The chemical composition analyses showed a high content of vitamin C, total polyphenols, β-carotene and folates in the acerola fruit. From the HPLC-DAD/ESI-MSn analyses, two anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-O-rhamnoside and pelargonidin 3-O-rhamnoside), three hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives (caffeoyl hexoside, dihydrocaffeoylquinic acid and coumaroyl hexoside) and fifteen flavonols (mostly glycosylated forms of quercetin and kaempferol) were detected. HDFa were pre-incubated with an acerola crude extract (ACExt) and subsequently subjected to oxidative stress induced by AAPH. Apoptosis, intracellular ROS and the biomarkers of lipid and protein oxidation significantly increased after inducing stress, while the activities of the antioxidant enzyme catalase and superoxide dismutase and mitochondrial functionality were markedly affected. However, ACExt was able to protect against oxidative damage through decreasing apoptosis, intracellular ROS levels and lipid and protein damage, besides improving antioxidant enzyme activities and mitochondrial functionality. The obtained results support acerola fruits as relevant sources of functional compounds with promising effects on human health.
%T The protective effect of acerola (Malpighia emarginata) against oxidative damage in human dermal fibroblasts through the improvement of antioxidant enzyme activity and mitochondrial functionality

%P 269-275
%A Pedro Bullón
%A Francisco J. Cano-García
%A Elísabet Alcocer-Gómez
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Lourdes Roman-Malo
%A Rafael J. Ruiz-Salmerón
%A José L. Quiles
%A José M. Navarro-Pando
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Jesús Ruiz-Cabello
%A Luis J. Jiménez-Borreguero
%A Mario D. Cordero
%J Antioxidants & Redox Signaling
%N 5
%K Framingham risk score; Fuster BEWAT score; NLRP3–inflammasome complex; cardiovascular risk factors
%V 27
%D 2017
%R doi:10.1089/ars.2016.6970
%L uneatlantico581
%T Could NLRP3–Inflammasome Be a Cardiovascular Risk Biomarker in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients?
%X Conventional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) are accepted to identify asymptomatic individuals with high risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, AMI affects many patients previously classified at low risk. New biomarkers are needed to improve risk prediction. We propose to evaluate the NLRP3-inflammasome complex as a potential conventional cardiovascular risk (CVR) indicator in healthy males and post-AMI patients and compare both groups by known CVRFs. We included 109 men with no history of cardiovascular disease (controls) and 150 AMI patients attending a cardiac rehabilitation program. AMI patients had higher mean of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than the controls. However, high percentages of the controls had a high BMI and a waist circumference >95 cm. The controls also had higher systolic blood pressure (p > 0.001), total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, dietary nutrient, and calorific intake. Fuster BEWAT score (FBS) correlated more closely than Framingham risk score (FRS) with most CVRF, groups. However, only the FBS showed a correlation with inflammasome cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Several CVRFs were significantly better in AMI patients; however, this group also had higher mRNA expression of the inflammasome gene NLRP3 and lower expression of the autophagy gene MAP-LC3. The controls had high levels of CVRF, probably reflecting unhealthy lifestyle. FBS reflects the efficiency of strategies to induce lifestyle changes such as cardiac rehabilitation programs, and could provide a sensitive evaluation CVR. These results lead to the hypothesis that NLRP3-inflammasome and associated IL-1β release have potential as CVR biomarkers, particularly in post-AMI patients with otherwise low risk scores. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 269-275.

%N 6
%J International Journal of Molecular Sciences
%P 1149
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Ana González-Paramás
%A Celestino Santos-Buelga
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Stefano Bompadre
%T Strawberry (cv. Romina) Methanolic Extract and Anthocyanin-Enriched Fraction Improve Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Status in HepG2 Cells
%X Dyslipidemia and oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) are recognized as critical factors in the development of atherosclerosis. Healthy dietary patterns, with abundant fruit and vegetable consumption, may prevent the onset of these risk factors due to the presence of phytochemical compounds. Strawberries are known for their high content of polyphenols; among them, flavonoids are the major constituents, and it is presumed that they are responsible for the biological activity of the fruit. Nevertheless, there are only a few studies that actually evaluate the effects of different fractions isolated from strawberries. In order to assess the effects of two different strawberry extracts (whole methanolic extract/anthocyanin-enriched fraction) on the lipid profile and antioxidant status in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, the triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol content, lipid peroxidation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and antioxidant enzymes’ activity on cell lysates were determined. Results demonstrated that both strawberry extracts not only improved the lipid metabolism by decreasing triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol contents, but also improved the redox state of HepG2 cells by modulating thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances production, antioxidant enzyme activity and ROS generation. The observed effects were more pronounced for the anthocyanin-enriched fraction.
%R doi:10.3390/ijms18061149
%L uneatlantico134
%K Strawberry; Anthocyanins; Hypocholesterolemic; Intracellular reactive oxygen species  diminution; Antioxidant.
%V 18
%D 2017

%K Strawberry; Cholesterol synthesis; Fatty acids synthesis; Hypolipidemic agent.
%V 9
%D 2017
%R doi:10.3390/nu9060621
%L uneatlantico135
%T Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 Cells Is Attenuated by Strawberry Extract through AMPK Activation
%X Regulation of lipid metabolism is essential for treatment and prevention of several chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, which are responsible for most deaths worldwide. It has been demonstrated that the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a direct impact on lipid metabolism by modulating several downstream-signaling components. The main objective of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro effect of a methanolic strawberry extract on AMPK and its possible repercussion on lipid metabolism in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). For such purpose, the lipid profile and the expression of proteins metabolically related to AMPK were determined on cells lysates. The results demonstrated that strawberry methanolic extract decreased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and triglycerides levels (up to 0.50-, 0.30-, and 0.40-fold, respectively) while it stimulated the p-AMPK/AMPK expression (up to 3.06-fold), compared to the control. AMPK stimulation led to the phosphorylation and consequent inactivation of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) and inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), the major regulators of fatty acids and cholesterol synthesis, respectively. Strawberry treatment also entailed a 4.34-, 2.37-, and 2.47-fold overexpression of LDL receptor, sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), and the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), respectively, compared to control. The observed results were counteracted by treatment with compound C, an AMPK pharmacological inhibitor, confirming that multiple effects of strawberries on lipid metabolism are mediated by the activation of this protein.
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Mario Cordero
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A José L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 621
%J Nutrients
%N 6

%R doi:10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1156.61
%L uneatlantico279
%D 2017
%K strawberry, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, in vitro digestion
%X Strawberry represents the most important berry in the Mediterranean diet. It is the most consumed berry as both fresh and processed products, the most studied berry from the agronomic, genomic and nutritional point of view, and it is also a remarkable source of micronutrients and phytochemicals with a relevant biologically activity on human health. Although individual bioactive compounds present in strawberries have been studied for their biological activities, the mechanisms by which they are metabolized and exert their beneficial effects on human health are still unknown. For this reason, the first objective of this research is the development of an enzymatic in vitro system which simulates the gastrointestinal conditions that occur in vivo during the digestive process. Briefly, the method consists on an initial pepsin-HCl digestion for simulating gastric conditions (pH~1.7) followed by an intestinal digestion with pancreatin and bile salts through a dialysis membrane. The dialysates were concentrated under vacuum, resuspended in H2O2/glacial acetic acid and purified with a C-18 SepPaks Vac 6 cc cartridge. The strawberry cultivar chosen for the study is 'Romina', one of the most promising cultivars developed in the context of the European Euberry project. The total antioxidant capacity of both the fresh fruit and the digested fraction was tested through the DPPH, FRAP and TEAC assays. The results obtained have shown a significant variation in the antioxidant capacity of 'omina', before and after the enzymatic digestion process. Significant decreases were found in all the performed assay, highlighting how the antioxidant capacity present in fresh fruit is drastically reduced following digestion. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of transport and metabolism of these compounds, with the aim of providing predictive results on their bioavailability and thus their effect on human health.
%T The effect of an enzymatic digestion process on strawberry antioxidant capacity
%J Acta Horticulturae
%P 413-418
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernández
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%N 1156

%D 2017
%V 9
%K Skin damage; UVA-radiation; ROS; Apoptosis; Mitochondria functionality; Antioxidant defense; Inflammatory status; Strawberry polyphenols; Cosmetic formulation.
%R doi:10.3390/nu9060605
%L uneatlantico141
%X Extreme exposure of skin to Ultraviolet A (UVA)-radiation may induce a dysregulated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can interact with cellular biomolecules leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and alteration of cellular molecular pathways, responsible for skin photoaging, hyperplasia, erythema, and cancer. For these reasons, the use of dietary natural bioactive compounds with remarkable antioxidant activity could be a strategic tool to counteract these UVA-radiation-caused deleterious effects. Thus, the purpose of the present work was to test the efficacy of strawberry (50 μg/mL)-based formulations supplemented with Coenzyme Q10 (100 μg/mL) and sun protection factor 10 in human dermal fibroblasts irradiated with UVA-radiation. The apoptosis rate, the amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the expression of proteins involved in antioxidant and inflammatory response, and mitochondrial functionality were evaluated. The results showed that the synergic topical use of strawberry and Coenzyme Q10 provided a significant (p < 0.05) photoprotective effect, reducing cell death and ROS, increasing antioxidant defense, lowering inflammatory markers, and improving mitochondrial functionality. The obtained results suggest the use of strawberry-based formulations as an innovative, natural, and useful tool for the prevention of UVA exposure-induced skin diseases in order to decrease or substitute the amount of synthetic sunscreen agents.
%T Strawberry-Based Cosmetic Formulations Protect Human Dermal Fibroblasts against UVA-Induced Damage
%P 605
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Patricia Reboredo-Rodriguez
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A José L. Quiles
%A Stefano Bompadre
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Francesca Giampieri
%J Nutrients
%N 6

%J Food and Chemical Toxicology
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Josè M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Josè L. Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 1-10
%T Anti-inflammatory effect of strawberry extract against LPS-induced stress in RAW 264.7 macrophages
%X A common denominator in the pathogenesis of most chronic inflammatory diseases is the involvement of oxidative stress, related to ROS production by all aerobic organisms. Dietary antioxidants from plant foods represent an efficient strategy to counteract this condition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of strawberry extracts on inflammatory status induced by E. Coli LPS on RAW 264.7 macrophages by measuring the main oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers and investigating the molecular pathways involved. Strawberry pre-treatment efficiently counteracted LPS-induced oxidative stress reducing the amount of ROS and nitrite production, stimulating endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and enhancing protection against lipid, protein and DNA damage (P < 0.05). Strawberry pre-treatment exerted these protective effects primarily through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, which is markedly AMPK-dependent and also by the modulation of the NF-kB signalling pathway. Finally, an improvement in mitochondria functionality was also detected. The results obtained in this work highlight the health benefit of strawberries against inflammatory and oxidative stress in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, investigating for the first time the possible involved molecular mechanisms.
%L uneatlantico142
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.01.018
%V 102
%K Strawberry; Phenolic compounds; LPS; Inflammation; ROS; Prevention.
%D 2017

%J Molecules
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A José L. Quiles
%A Stefano Bompadre
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 164
%N 1
%L uneatlantico143
%R doi:10.3390/molecules22010164
%D 2017
%K Strawberry; LPS; Oxidative stress; Inflammation; Prevention.
%V 22
%X A protracted pro-inflammatory state is a major contributing factor in the development, progression and complication of the most common chronic pathologies. Fruit and vegetables represent the main sources of dietary antioxidants and their consumption can be considered an efficient tool to counteract inflammatory states. In this context an evaluation of the protective effects of strawberry extracts on inflammatory stress induced by E. coli LPS on human dermal fibroblast cells was performed in terms of viability assays, ROS and nitrite production and biomarkers of oxidative damage of the main biological macromolecules. The results demonstrated that strawberry extracts exerted an anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-treated cells, through an increase in cell viability, and the reduction of ROS and nitrite levels, and lipid, protein and DNA damage. This work showed for the first time the potential health benefits of strawberry extract against inflammatory and oxidative stress in LPS-treated human dermal fibroblast cells.
%T Protective Effect of Strawberry Extract against Inflammatory Stress Induced in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

%P 464-471
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Josè M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Mario D. Cordero
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Celestino Santos-Buelga
%A Ana M. González-Paramás
%A Paola Astolfi
%A Corrado Rubini
%A Antonio Zizzi
%A Sara Tulipani
%A Josè L. Quiles
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Food Chemistry
%K AMPK activation; Aging; Mitochondrial functionality; Oxidative stress; Strawberry polyphenols.
%V 234
%D 2017
%R doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.05.017
%L uneatlantico563
%T Strawberry consumption improves aging-associated impairments, mitochondrial biogenesis and functionality through the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling cascade
%X Dietary polyphenols have been recently proposed as activators of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway and this fact might explain the relationship between the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods and the slowdown of the progression of aging. In the present work, the effects of strawberry consumption were evaluated on biomarkers of oxidative damage and on aging-associated reductions in mitochondrial function and biogenesis for 8weeks in old rats. Strawberry supplementation increased antioxidant enzyme activities, mitochondrial biomass and functionality, and decreased intracellular ROS levels and biomarkers of protein, lipid and DNA damage (P<0.05). Furthermore, a significant (P<0.05) increase in the expression of the AMPK cascade genes, involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defences, was also detected after strawberry intake. These in vivo results were then verified in vitro on HepG2 cells, confirming the involvement of AMPK in the beneficial effects exerted by strawberry against aging progression.

%R doi:10.1111/nyas.13373
%L uneatlantico144
%D 2017
%V 1398
%X It is generally accepted that a fruit and vegetable–enriched diet is favorable for human health. The consumption of strawberries, in particular, has been related to the maintenance of well-being and the prevention of several chronic diseases, owing to the high contents of antioxidants and phytochemicals present in the fruit. Several biological effects have been explained through the total antioxidant capacity exerted by these bioactive compounds, but recently more intricate mechanisms have begun to be examined. In this context, it has been reported that strawberry phenolics are able to exert anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative, and antiatherosclerotic activities, acting on specific molecular pathways related to antioxidant defenses, metabolism, survival, and proliferation. The overall aim of this work is to discuss and update the cellular and molecular mechanisms recently proposed to clarify the effects of strawberry phenolics on human health, with particular attention to the most common chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
%T The healthy effects of strawberry bioactive compounds on molecular pathways related to chronic diseases
%J Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
%P 62-71
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Danila Cianciosi
%A Patricia Reboredo-Rodriguez
%A Alfonso Varela-Lopez
%A Jose L. Quiles
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%N 1

%P 191-200
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Rubén Calderón Iglesias
%A Roberto Ruiz Salces
%A Silvia Aparicio Obregón
%A Jorge Crespo Alvare
%A Luis Dzul Lopez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Cancer Letters
%X Among gynaecological cancers, ovarian cancer represents the leading cause of death in women. Current treatment for ovarian cancer entails surgery followed by combined chemotherapy with platinum and taxane, which are associated, particularly cisplatin, with severe side effects. While this treatment approach appears to be initially effective in a high number of patients, nearly 70% of them suffer a relapse within a few months after initial treatment. Therefore, more effective and better-tolerated treatment options are clearly needed. In recent years, several natural compounds (such as curcumin, epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), resveratrol, sulforaphane and Withaferin-A), characterized by long-term safety and negligible and/or inexistent side effects, have been proposed as possible adjuvants of traditional chemotherapy. Indeed, several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that phytocompounds can effectively inhibit tumor cell proliferation, stimulate autophagy, induce apoptosis, and specifically target ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are generally considered to be responsible for tumor recurrence in several types of cancer. Here we review current literature on the role of natural products in ovarian cancer chemoprevention, highlighting their effects particularly on the regulation of inflammation, autophagy, proliferation and apoptosis, chemotherapy resistance, and ovarian CSC growth.
%T The use of natural compounds for the targeting and chemoprevention of ovarian cancer
%D 2017
%K Ovarian cancer; Chemotherapy resistance; Natural compounds; Autophagy; Apoptosis; Ovarian cancer stem-like cells.
%V 411
%L uneatlantico145
%R doi:10.1016/j.canlet.2017.09.050

%R doi:10.1080/10408398.2015.1051919
%L uneatlantico93
%V 56
%K Strawberry; Polyphenols; Inflammation; Metabolism; Cardiovascular diseases; Cancer.
%D 2016
%T The Healthy Effects of Strawberry Polyphenols: Which Strategy behind Antioxidant Capacity?
%X Current evidence indicates that the consumption of strawberries, a natural source of a wide range of nutritive and bioactive compounds, is associated with the prevention and improvement of chronic-degenerative diseases.. Studies involving cells and animals provide evidence on the anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antiproliferative activity of the strawberry. Epidemiological and clinical studies demonstrate that its acute consumption increases plasma antioxidant capacity, improves circulating inflammatory markers and ameliorates postprandial glycemic response. At the same time, a protracted intake reduces chronic inflammation and improves plasma lipid profile, supporting cardiovascular health, especially in individuals with increased risk for metabolic syndrome. To explain these beneficial effects, much attention has been paid in the past to the antioxidant properties of strawberry polyphenols. However, recent research has shown that their biological and functional activities are related not only to the antioxidant capacity but also to the modulation of many cellular pathways involved in metabolism, survival, proliferation, and antioxidant defenses. The aim of this review is to update and discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms proposed in recent studies to elucidate the healthy effects of strawberry polyphenols against the most common chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and inflammation.
%J Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
%P S46-S59
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Stefano Bompadre
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Josè L. Quiles
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%N sup1

%P 4435-4449
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Patricia Reboredo-Rodriguez
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
%N 22
%D 2016
%V 64
%K Strawberry; Phenolic compounds; Anti-inflammation; Cardioprotection; Antimetabolic syndrome; Antidiabetes; Anticancer; Neuroprotection.
%R doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.6b00857
%L uneatlantico91
%X The potential health benefits associated with dietary intake of fruits have attracted increasing interest. Among berries, the strawberry is a rich source of several nutritive and non-nutritive bioactive compounds, which are implicated in various health-promoting and disease preventive effects. A plethora of studies have examined the benefits of strawberry consumption, such as prevention of inflammation disorders and oxidative stress, reduction of obesity related disorders and heart disease risk, and protection against various types of cancer. This review provides an overview of their nutritional and non-nutritional bioactive compounds and which factors affect their content in strawberries. In addition, the bioavailability and metabolism of major strawberry phytochemicals as well as their actions in combating many pathologies, including cancer, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, neurodegeneration, along with microbial pathogenesis have been reviewed, with a particular attention to human studies.
%T Promising Health Benefits of the Strawberry: A Focus on Clinical Studies

%V 7
%K Alzheimer disease; Glymphatic system; Sleep; Cortisol; Hippocampus; Western diet; Acidosis; Nutritional interventions; Supplements.
%D 2016
%L uneatlantico95
%R doi:10.3945/an.115.011775
%T Associations between Sleep, Cortisol Regulation, and Diet: Possible Implications for the Risk of Alzheimer Disease
%X Accumulation of proteinaceous amyloid β plaques and tau oligomers may occur several years before the onset of Alzheimer disease (AD). Under normal circumstances, misfolded proteins get cleared by proteasome degradation, autophagy, and the recently discovered brain glymphatic system, an astroglial-mediated interstitial fluid bulk flow. It has been shown that the activity of the glymphatic system is higher during sleep and disengaged or low during wakefulness. As a consequence, poor sleep quality, which is associated with dementia, might negatively affect glymphatic system activity, thus contributing to amyloid accumulation. The diet is another important factor to consider in the regulation of this complex network. Diets characterized by high intakes of refined sugars, salt, animal-derived proteins and fats and by low intakes of fruit and vegetables are associated with a higher risk of AD and can perturb the circadian modulation of cortisol secretion, which is associated with poor sleep quality. For this reason, diets and nutritional interventions aimed at restoring cortisol concentrations may ease sleep disorders and may facilitate brain clearance, consequentially reducing the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Here, we describe the associations that exist between sleep, cortisol regulation, and diet and their possible implications for the risk of cognitive impairment and AD.
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Iñaki Elío Pascual
%A Manuel Masias Vergara
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 679-689
%J Advances in Nutrition: An International Review Journal
%N 4

%J Molecules
%P 169
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Forbes-Hernandez
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A José Quiles
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%N 2
%L uneatlantico146
%R doi:10.3390/molecules21020169
%D 2016
%K Berry; Chemoprevention; Colon cancer; Polyphenol; Bioactive compound.
%V 21
%X Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases across the world. Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that diets rich in fruit, such as berries, provide significant health benefits against several types of cancer, including colon cancer. The anticancer activities of berries are attributed to their high content of phytochemicals and to their relevant antioxidant properties. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that berries and their bioactive components exert therapeutic and preventive effects against colon cancer by the suppression of inflammation, oxidative stress, proliferation and angiogenesis, through the modulation of multiple signaling pathways such as NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/PKB/mTOR, and ERK/MAPK. Based on the exciting outcomes of preclinical studies, a few berries have advanced to the clinical phase. A limited number of human studies have shown that consumption of berries can prevent colorectal cancer, especially in patients at high risk (familial adenopolyposis or aberrant crypt foci, and inflammatory bowel diseases). In this review, we aim to highlight the findings of berries and their bioactive compounds in colon cancer from in vitro and in vivo studies, both on animals and humans. Thus, this review could be a useful step towards the next phase of berry research in colon cancer.
%T Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Effects of Edible Berries: A Focus on Colon Cancer Prevention and Treatment

%V 25
%K Manuka honey, ROSAMPK, Nrf2Wound healing
%D 2016
%I ELSEVIER
%R doi:10.1016/j.jff.2016.05.008
%L uneatlantico176
%T Activation of AMPK/Nrf2 signalling by Manuka honey protects human dermal fibroblasts against oxidative damage by improving antioxidant response and mitochondrial function promoting wound healing
%X Excessive amounts of free radicals are deleterious for cells, resulting in cell damage, affecting the wound healing process and causing premature ageing or even neoplastic transformation. Here the capacity of Manuka honey (MH) to protect against oxidative damage and improve the process of skin wound healing was investigated. Up to 16 compounds were identified in MH, with leptosin derivatives and methyl syringate as the major ones. MH protected against apoptosis, intracellular ROS production, and lipid and protein oxidative damage. MH also protected mitochondrial functionality, promoted cell proliferation and activated the AMPK/Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway, as well as the expression of the antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT. Here we describe for the first time that one of the possible mechanisms by which MH exhibits its ability to promote wound healing could be due to its capacity to improve the antioxidant response by activating AMPK phosphorylation and the ARE response.
%P 38-49
%A José Miguel Alvarez-Suarez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Mario Cordero
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Yuliet Forbes-Hernandez
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Pablo Beltrán-Ayala
%A Ana María González-Paramás
%A Celestino Santos-Buelga
%A Alfonso Varela-Lopez
%A José Luis Quiles
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Journal of Functional Foods

%N 1
%A Stefano Amatori
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Alfredo Errico Provenzano
%A Giuseppe Persico
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Augusto Amici
%A Mirco Fanelli
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Scientific Reports
%T Polyphenol-rich strawberry extract (PRSE) shows in vitro and in vivo biological activity against invasive breast cancer cells
%X We describe the biological effects of a polyphenol-rich strawberry extract (PRSE), obtained from the “Alba” variety, on the highly aggressive and invasive basal-like breast cancer cell line A17. Dose-response and time-course experiments showed that PRSE is able to decrease the cellular viability of A17 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. PRSE effect on cell survival was investigated in other tumor and normal cell lines of both mouse and human origin, demonstrating that PRSE is more active against breast cancer cells. Cytofluorimetric analysis of A17 cells demonstrated that sub-lethal doses of PRSE reduce the number of cells in S phase, inducing the accumulation of cells in G1 phase of cell cycle. In addition, the migration of A17 cells was studied monitoring the ability of PRSE to inhibit cellular mobility. Gene expression analysis revealed the modulation of 12 genes playing different roles in the cellular migration, adhesion and invasion processes. Finally, in vivo experiments showed the growth inhibition of A17 cells orthotopically transplanted into FVB syngeneic mice fed with PRSE. Overall, we demonstrated that PRSE exerts important biological activities against a highly invasive breast cancer cell line both in vitro and in vivo suggesting the strawberry extracts as preventive/curative food strategy.
%O Breast cancer; Metastasis.
%V 6
%D 2016
%R doi:10.1038/srep30917
%L uneatlantico92

%P 155-166
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Maria Greabu
%A Bogdan Calenic
%J Wiley Online Library
%T Oxidative stress in oral cavity: interplay between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants in health, inflammation, and cancer
%X This chapter describes the significance of oxidative stress and its involvement in major oral and general diseases, and discusses damage inflicted by oxidative stress to cellular structures. Atmospheric oxygen presents two unpaired electrons in the outer electron shell. Oxygen reduction takes place in a sequential addition of electrons that leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation among which are superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical. There is solid evidence that many oral diseases such as periodontitis or oral cancer are directly linked to loss of balance between antioxidant systems and endogenous or exogenous prooxidants. Moreover, oxidative stress is directly associated with several general pathological conditions, and in many cases, it represents the systemic link between the initiation of general diseases and the development of various oral conditions. These observations thoroughly justify the continuous search for new antioxidants as well as antioxidant usage in the prophylaxis and treatment of oral diseases.
%B Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Protection
%D 2016
%R doi:10.1002/9781118832431.ch10
%L uneatlantico631

%J Food and Chemical Toxicology
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Jose M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes- Hernandez
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Stefano Bompadre
%A Corrado Rubini
%A Antonio Zizzi
%A Paola Astolfi
%A Celestino Santos-Buelga
%A Ana M. González-Paramás
%A Josè L. Quiles
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 128-137
%X Doxorubicin (Dox), one of the most used chemotherapeutic agents, is known to generate oxidative stress and block DNA synthesis, which result in severe dose-limiting toxicity. A strategy to protect against Dox toxic effects could be to use dietary antioxidants of which fruits and vegetable are a rich source. In this context, strawberry consumption is associated with the maintenance of good health and the prevention of several diseases, thanks to the antioxidant capacities of its bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of strawberry consumption against oxidative stress induced by Dox in rats. Animals were fed with strawberry enriched diet (15% of the total calories) for two months and Dox (10 mg/kg; i.p.) was injected at the end of the experimental period. Strawberry consumption significantly inhibited ROS production and oxidative damage biomarkers accumulation in plasma and liver tissue and alleviated histopathological changes in rat livers treated with Dox. The reduction of antioxidant enzyme activities was significantly mitigated after strawberry consumption. In addition, strawberry enriched diet ameliorated liver mitochondrial antioxidant levels and functionality. In conclusion, strawberry intake protects against Dox-induced toxicity, at plasma, liver and mitochondrial levels thanks to its high contents of bioactive compounds.
%T Strawberry consumption alleviates doxorubicin-induced toxicity by suppressing oxidative stress
%L uneatlantico147
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2016.06.003
%D 2016
%V 94
%K Strawberry, Bioactive compounds, Oxidative stress, Doxorubicin, Mitochondrial functionality.

%T Analysis of urinary cathepsin C for diagnosing Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome
%X Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) (OMIM: 245000) is a rare disease characterized by severe periodontitis and palmoplantar keratoderma. It is caused by mutations in both alleles of the cathepsin C (CatC) gene CTSC that completely abrogate the proteolytic activity of this cysteine proteinase. Most often, a genetic analysis to enable early and rapid diagnosis of PLS is unaffordable or unavailable. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that active CatC is constitutively excreted and can be easily traced in the urine of normal subjects. If this is true, determining its absence in the urine of patients would be an early, simple, reliable, low-cost and easy diagnostic technique. All 75 urine samples from healthy control subjects (aged 3 months to 80 years) contained proteolytically active CatC and its proform, as revealed by kinetic analysis and immunochemical detection. Of the urine samples of 31 patients with a PLS phenotype, 29 contained neither proteolytically active CatC nor the CatC antigen, so that the PLS diagnosis was confirmed. CatC was detected in the urine of the other two patients, and genetic analysis revealed no loss-of-function mutation in CTSC, indicating that they suffer from a PLS-like condition but not from PLS. Screening for the absence of urinary CatC activity soon after birth and early treatment before the onset of PLS manifestations will help to prevent aggressive periodontitis and loss of many teeth, and should considerably improve the quality of life of PLS patients.
%V 283
%K Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome; cathepsin C; diagnostic method; protease; urine analysis.
%D 2016
%R doi:10.1111/febs.13605
%L uneatlantico579
%N 3
%P 498-509
%A Yveline Hamon
%A Monika Legowska
%A Patricia Fergelot
%A Sandrine Dallet-Choisy
%A Louise Newell
%A Lise Vanderlynden
%A Ali Kord Valeshabad
%A Karina Acrich
%A Hadi Kord
%A Charalampos Tsamakis
%A Fanny Morice-Picard
%A Ian Surplice
%A Jerome Zoidakis
%A Karen David
%A Antonia Vlahou
%A Shivanna Ragunatha
%A Nikoletta Nagy
%A Katalin Farkas
%A Márta Széll
%A Cyril Goizet
%A Beate Schacher
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Abdullah Al Farraj Aldosari
%A Xinwen Wang
%A Yang Liu
%A Sylvain Marchand-Adam
%A Adam Lesner
%A Elodie Kara
%A Sevil Korkmaz-Icöz
%A Celia Moss
%A Peter Eickholz
%A Alain Taieb
%A Salih Kavukcu
%A Dieter E. Jenne
%A Francis Gauthier
%A Brice Korkmaz
%J FEBS Journal

%V 11
%K Epidermal growth factor receptor, Glioma cell
, Resveratrol; Cancer stem cell, EGCG.
%D 2016
%R doi:10.1007/s11523-015-0378-5
%L uneatlantico150
%T Targeting Glioblastoma with the Use of Phytocompounds and Nanoparticles
%X Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are extremely lethal and still poorly treated primary brain tumors, characterized by the presence of highly tumorigenic cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations, considered responsible for tumor relapse. In order to successfully eradicate GBM growth and recurrence, new anti-cancer strategies selectively targeting CSCs should be designed. CSCs might be eradicated by targeting some of their cell surface markers and transporters, inducing their differentiation, impacting their hyper-glycolytic metabolism, inhibiting CSC-related signaling pathways and/or by targeting their microenvironmental niche. In this regard, phytocompounds such as curcumin, isothiocyanates, resveratrol and epigallocatechin-3-gallate have been shown to prevent or reverse cancer-related epigenetic dysfunctions, reducing tumorigenesis, preventing metastasis and/or increasing chemotherapy and radiotherapy efficacy. However, the actual bioavailability and metabolic processing of phytocompounds is generally unknown, and the presence of the blood brain barrier often represents a limitation to glioma treatments. Nowadays, nanoparticles (NPs) can be loaded with therapeutic compounds such as phytochemicals, improving their bioavailability and their targeted delivery within the GBM tumor bulk. Moreover, NPs can be designed to increase their tropism and specificity toward CSCs by conjugating their surface with antibodies specific for CSC antigens, with ligands or with glucose analogues. Here we discuss the use of phytochemicals as anti-glioma agents and the applicability of phytochemical-loaded NPs as drug delivery systems to target GBM. Additionally, we provide some examples on how NPs can be specifically formulated to improve CSC targeting.
%P 1-16
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Susanne Bremer-Hoffmann
%A Giuseppe Basso
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Iñaki Elío Pascual
%A Manuel Masías Vergara
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Targeted Oncology
%N 1

%T Role of gut microbiota and nutrients in amyloid formation and pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease
%X It has been hypothesized that alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota might be associated with the onset of certain human pathologies, such as Alzheimer disease, a neurodegenerative syndrome associated with cerebral accumulation of amyloid-β fibrils. It has been shown that bacteria populating the gut microbiota can release significant amounts of amyloids and lipopolysaccharides, which might play a role in the modulation of signaling pathways and the production of proinflammatory cytokines related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Additionally, nutrients have been shown to affect the composition of the gut microbiota as well as the formation and aggregation of cerebral amyloid-β. This suggests that modulating the gut microbiome and amyloidogenesis through specific nutritional interventions might prove to be an effective strategy to prevent or reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease. This review examines the possible role of the gut in the dissemination of amyloids, the role of the gut microbiota in the regulation of the gut–brain axis, the potential amyloidogenic properties of gut bacteria, and the possible impact of nutrients on modulation of microbiota composition and amyloid formation in relation to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease.
%K Amyloids; Alzheimer disease; Bacteria; Diet, Gut-brain axis; Gut microbiome; Symptom onset.
%V 74
%D 2016
%R doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuw023
%L uneatlantico96
%N 10
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Iñaki Elío Pascual
%A Manuel Masias Vergara
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 624-634
%J Nutrition Reviews

%J Molecules
%P 373
%A Alfonso Varela-López
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Jose L. Quiles
%N 3
%L uneatlantico148
%R doi:10.3390/molecules21030373
%D 2016
%K Aging; Antioxidants; Diet; Mitochondria; Nutrition; Oxidative stress; Ubiquinone
%V 21
%X Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a naturally occurring molecule located in the hydrophobic domain of the phospholipid bilayer of all biological membranes. Shortly after being discovered, it was recognized as an essential electron transport chain component in mitochondria where it is particularly abundant. Since then, more additional roles in cell physiology have been reported, including antioxidant, signaling, death prevention, and others. It is known that all cells are able to synthesize functionally sufficient amounts of CoQ under normal physiological conditions. However, CoQ is a molecule found in different dietary sources, which can be taken up and incorporated into biological membranes. It is known that mitochondria have a close relationship with the aging process. Additionally, delaying the aging process through diet has aroused the interest of scientists for many years. These observations have stimulated investigation of the anti-aging potential of CoQ and its possible use in dietary therapies to alleviate the effects of aging. In this context, the present review focus on the current knowledge and evidence the roles of CoQ cells, its relationship with aging, and possible implications of dietary CoQ in relation to aging, lifespan or age-related diseases.
%T Coenzyme Q and Its Role in the Dietary Therapy against Aging

%X Oxidative stress is implicated in several infectious diseases. In this regard, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxic component, induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in several pathological events such as periodontal disease or sepsis. In our experiments, LPS-treated fibroblasts provoked increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced oxygen consumption and mitochondrial biogenesis. After comparing coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), we observed a more significant protection of CoQ10 than of NAC, which was comparable with other lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants such as vitamin E or BHA respectively. CoQ10 improved mitochondrial biogenesis by activating PGC-1α and TFAM. This lipophilic antioxidant protection was observed in mice after LPS injection. These results show that mitochondria-targeted lipophilic antioxidants could be a possible specific therapeutic strategy in pharmacology in the treatment of infectious diseases and their complications.
%T Lipophilic antioxidants prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction through mitochondrial biogenesis improvement
%D 2015
%V 91
%K Porphyromonas gingivalis; Lipopolysaccharide; Coenzyme Q10; N-acetylcysteine; Mitochondria
%R doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2014.10.007
%L uneatlantico98
%P 1-8
%A Pedro Bullón
%A Lourdes Román-Malo
%A Fabiola Marín-Aguilar
%A José Miguel Alvarez-Suarez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Mario D. Cordero
%J Pharmacological Research

%N 5
%P 581-591
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Iñaki Elio Pascual
%A Manuel Masias Vergara
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Advances in Nutrition
%X Environmental and lifestyle factors are known to play an important role during gestation, determining newborns' health status and influencing their risk of being subject to certain noncommunicable diseases later in life. In particular, maternal nutritional patterns characterized by a low intake of plant-derived foods could increase the risk of gestation-related issues, such as preeclampsia and pregravid obesity, increase genotoxicant susceptibility, and contribute to the onset of pediatric diseases. In particular, the risk of pediatric wheeze, diabetes, neural tube defects, orofacial clefts, and some pediatric tumors seems to be reduced by maternal intake of adequate amounts of vegetables, fruits, and selected antioxidants. Nevertheless, plant-based diets, like any other diet, if improperly balanced, could be deficient in some specific nutrients that are particularly relevant during gestation, such as n–3 (ω-3) fatty acids, vitamin B-12, iron, zinc, and iodine, possibly affecting the offspring's health state. Here we review the scientific literature in this field, focusing specifically on observational studies in humans, and highlight protective effects elicited by maternal diets enriched in plant-derived foods and possible issues related to maternal plant-based diets.
%T Plant-Based and Plant-Rich Diet Patterns during Gestation: Beneficial Effects and Possible Shortcomings
%D 2015
%K Plant-based diets; Human, gestation; Preeclampsia; Diabetes; Pediatric tumors; Pediatric diseases.
%V 6
%R doi:10.3945/an.115.009126
%L uneatlantico101

%P 1257-1267
%A Elísabet Alcocer-Gómez
%A Juan Garrido-Maraver
%A Pedro Bullón
%A Fabiola Marín-Aguilar
%A David Cotán
%A Angel M. Carrión
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José Antonio Sánchez-Alcazar
%A Maurizio Battino
%A Mario D. Cordero
%J Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease
%N 7
%V 1852
%K Fibromyalgia; AMPK; Mitochondria; Oxidative stress; Metformin; Caloric restriction.
%D 2015
%R doi:10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.03.005
%L uneatlantico97
%T Metformin and caloric restriction induce an AMPK-dependent restoration of mitochondrial dysfunction in fibroblasts from Fibromyalgia patients
%X Impaired AMPK is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical and pathological conditions, ranging from obesity, altered responses to exercise or metabolic syndrome, to inflammation, disturbed mitochondrial biogenesis and defective response to energy stress. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a world-wide diffused musculoskeletal chronic pain condition that affects up to 5% of the general population and comprises all the above mentioned pathophysiological states. Here, we tested the involvement of AMPK activation in fibroblasts derived from FM patients. AMPK was not phosphorylated in fibroblasts from FM patients and was associated with decreased mitochondrial biogenesis, reduced oxygen consumption, decreased antioxidant enzymes expression levels and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, mtDNA sequencing analysis did not show any important alterations which could justify the mitochondrial defects. AMPK activation in FM fibroblast was impaired in response to moderate oxidative stress. In contrast, AMPK activation by metformin or incubation with serum from caloric restricted mice improved the response to moderate oxidative stress and mitochondrial metabolism in FM fibroblasts. These results suggest that AMPK plays an essential role in FM pathophysiology and could represent the basis for a valuable new therapeutic target/strategy. Furthermore, both metformin and caloric restriction could be an interesting therapeutic approach in FM.

%N 5
%J Food & Function
%P 1386-1398
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Sadia Afrin
%A Stefano Bompadre
%A José L. Quiles
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%X Since a high intake of fruits and vegetables is inversely related to the incidence of several degenerative diseases, the importance of a balanced diet in relation to human health has received increased consumer attention worldwide. Strawberries (Fragaria X ananassa, Duch.) are a rich source of a wide variety of nutritive compounds such as sugars, vitamins, and minerals, as well as non-nutritive, bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids. All of these compounds exert a synergistic and cumulative effect on human health promotion and in disease prevention. Strawberry phenolics are indeed able (i) to detoxify free radicals blocking their production, (ii) to modulate the expression of genes involved in metabolism, cell survival and proliferation and antioxidant defense, and (iii) to protect and repair DNA damage. The overall objective of the present review is to update and discuss the key findings, from recent in vivo studies, on the effects of strawberries on human health. Particular attention will be paid to the molecular mechanisms proposed to explain the health effects of polyphenols against the most common diseases related to oxidative stress driven pathologies, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, obesity and neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammation.
%T Strawberry as a health promoter: an evidence based review
%L uneatlantico149
%R doi:10.1039/c5fo00147a
%D 2015
%V 6
%K Strawberry, Polyphenols, Inflammation, Cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Neurodegenerative diseases.

%L uneatlantico94
%R doi:10.1002/jsfa.7216
%K Berries; Bioactive compounds; Genetic improvement; Cancer; Inflammation; Neurological diseases.
%V 96
%D 2015
%T The genetic aspects of berries: from field to health
%X Berries are a relevant source of micronutrients and nonessential phytochemicals, such as polyphenol compounds, that play a synergistic and cumulative role in human health promotion. Several systematic analyses showed that berry phenolics are able to detoxify reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, blocking their production, to intervene in the cell cycle, participating in the transduction and expression of genes involved in apoptosis, and to repair oxidative DNA damage. As a consequence, the improvement of the nutritional quality of berries has become a new quality target of breeding and biotechnological strategies, to control or to increase the content of specific health-related compounds in fruits. This work reviews, on the basis of the in vitro and in vivo evidence, the main berries' phytochemical compounds and their possible mechanisms of action on pathways involved in several type of diseases, with particular attention to cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
%J Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
%P 365-371
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Patricia Perez-Lopez
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José M. Alvarez-Suarez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A José L. Quiles
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%N 2

%K Plant compounds; Cancer stem cells; Tumor microenvironment; Hypoxia; Inflammation; Acidic pH.
%V 75
%D 2015
%R doi:10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.004
%L uneatlantico100
%T The use of plant-derived bioactive compounds to target cancer stem cells and modulate tumor microenvironment
%X In the last decades cancer has been considered as an epigenetic dysfunction, given the profound role of diet and lifestyle in cancer prevention and the determination of cancer risk. A plethora of recent publications have addressed the specific role of several environmental factors, such as nutritional habits, behavior, stress and toxins in the regulation of the physiological and cancer epigenome. In particular, plant-derived bioactive nutrients have been seen to positively affect normal cell growth, proliferation and differentiation and also to revert cancer related epigenetic dysfunctions, reducing tumorigenesis, preventing metastasis and/or increasing chemo and radiotherapy efficacy. Moreover, virtually all cancer types are characterized by the presence of cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulations, residing in specific hypoxic and acidic microenvironments, or niches, and these cells are currently considered responsible for tumor resistance to therapy and tumor relapse. Modern anti-cancer strategies should be designed to selectively target CSCs and modulate the hypoxic and acidic tumor microenvironment, and, to this end, natural bioactive components seem to play a role. This review aims to discuss the effects elicited by plant-derived bioactive nutrients in the regulation of CSC self-renewal, cancer metabolism and tumor microenvironment.
%P 58-70
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Food and Chemical Toxicology

%N 2
%P 303-318
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Iñaki Elío Pascual
%A Manuel Masías Vergara
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
%T The Use of Neuroimaging to Assess Associations Among Diet, Nutrients, Metabolic Syndrome, and Alzheimer’s Disease
%X In the last decade, specific dietary patterns, mainly characterized by high consumption of vegetables and fruits, have been proven beneficial for the prevention of both metabolic syndrome (MetS)-related dysfunctions and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nowadays, neuroimaging readouts can be used to diagnose AD, investigate MetS effects on brain functionality and anatomy, and assess the effects of dietary supplementations and nutritional patterns in relation to neurodegeneration and AD-related features. Here we review scientific literature describing the use of the most recent neuroimaging techniques to detect AD- and MetS-related brain features, and also to investigate associations between consolidated dietary patterns or nutritional interventions and AD, specifically focusing on observational and intervention studies in humans.
%K Alzheimer’s disease; brain anatomy; imaging; magnetic resonance imaging; metabolic syndrome; mild cognitive impairment; nutrient supplementations; nutritional patterns; positron emission tomography; type 2 diabetes
%V 48
%D 2015
%R doi:10.3233/JAD-150301
%L uneatlantico536

%R doi:10.3390/molecules19067798
%L uneatlantico612
%K strawberry; anthocyanin; ROS; lipid peroxidation; DNA damage; fibroblasts
%V 19
%D 2014
%T Polyphenol-Rich Strawberry Extract Protects Human Dermal Fibroblasts against Hydrogen Peroxide Oxidative Damage and Improves Mitochondrial Functionality
%X Strawberry bioactive compounds are widely known to be powerful antioxidants. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-aging activities of a polyphenol-rich strawberry extract were evaluated using human dermal fibroblasts exposed to H2O2. Firstly, the phenol and flavonoid contents of strawberry extract were studied, as well as the antioxidant capacity. HPLC-DAD analysis was performed to determine the vitamin C and β-carotene concentration, while HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS analysis was used for anthocyanin identification. Strawberry extract presented a high antioxidant capacity, and a relevant concentration of vitamins and phenolics. Pelargonidin- and cyanidin-glycosides were the most representative anthocyanin components of the fruits. Fibroblasts incubated with strawberry extract and stressed with H2O2 showed an increase in cell viability, a smaller intracellular amount of ROS, and a reduction of membrane lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Strawberry extract was also able to improve mitochondrial functionality, increasing the basal respiration of mitochondria and to promote a regenerative capacity of cells after exposure to pro-oxidant stimuli. These findings confirm that strawberries possess antioxidant properties and provide new insights into the beneficial role of strawberry bioactive compounds on protecting skin from oxidative stress and aging.
%J Molecules
%A Francesca Giampieri
%A José Alvarez-Suarez
%A Luca Mazzoni
%A Tamara Y. Forbes-Hernandez
%A Massimiliano Gasparrini
%A Ana Gonzàlez-Paramàs
%A Celestino Santos-Buelga
%A José Quiles
%A Stefano Bompadre
%A Bruno Mezzetti
%A Maurizio Battino
%P 7798-7816
%N 6

%P 62-81
%A Francesca Pistollato
%A Maurizio Battino
%J Trends in Food Science & Technology
%N 1
%D 2014
%V 40
%L uneatlantico624
%R doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2014.07.012
%X Plant-based diets are known to preserve body tissues from oxidative stress and inflammation, both hallmarks of chronic-degenerative diseases. In particular, plant-derived foods, such as legumes, represent a natural source of bioactive nutrients known to contribute to the prevention and amelioration of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension and impaired glucose metabolism, all factors implicated in metabolic syndrome (MetS), but also osteoporosis, neurodegeneration and some types of cancers. Here we revise recent literature on the role of plant-based diets, plant-foods and specific plant-nutrients in the prevention and regression of MetS and neurodegenerative diseases. We describe some of the molecular mechanisms underlying these protective effects, highlighting the role of diet in the control of hyper-homocysteinemia and insulin resistance, often implicated in the etiology of both metabolic and neurodegenerative syndromes.
%T Role of plant-based diets in the prevention and regression of metabolic syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases

%A Iñaki Elío Pascual
%A Sandra Sumalla Cano
%A Irma Dominguez Azpíroz
%A Sandra Jarrin
%A Marylin Montejo
%A Maurizio Battino
%P S194
%J Clinical Nutrition
%D 2013
%V 32
%R doi:10.1016/S0261-5614(13)60504-X
%L uneatlantico103
%T PP194-MON assessing the nutritional intake and the profile of a latin american group of nutrition postgraduate students