scholarly journals Impact of strawberries on human health: insight into marginally discussed bioactive compounds for the Mediterranean diet

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (9A) ◽  
pp. 1656-1662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Tulipani ◽  
Bruno Mezzetti ◽  
Maurizio Battino
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Folate Status ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Plasma Urate ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo review and update the current knowledge on the potential impact of strawberry on human health, with particular attention on compounds and indirect mechanisms of action not exhaustively considered.DesignPersonal perspectives and recent data.SettingInternational.ResultsOur research group was among the few groups that have recently investigated the folate content in fresh, stored and processed strawberries, and the data look very promising. As well, some in vivo evidence of the impact of strawberry intake on the folate status in humans have already been reported, but a new increasing interest on this field is strongly hoped. Furthermore, the hypouricaemic effects previously ascribed to cherry consumption need to be evaluated in respect to strawberry intake. At the moment, inconsistent results come from the few investigations designed at this proposal. In our studies, a great interindividual variability was observed on plasma urate levels in response to strawberry intake, suggesting a putative effect.ConclusionsThe mechanisms responsible for the potential health-promoting effects of strawberry may not be necessarily searched in the activity of phytochemicals. Particularly, a greater interest should be addressed to show whether a prolonged strawberry consumption may effectively improve the folate status and reduce the incidence of folate-related pathological conditions. Furthermore, the hypouricaemic effects of cherries need to be evaluated also in respect to strawberry intake, and the mechanisms of actions and anti-gout potentialities need to be studied in detail.Future investigations involving human trials should be aimed at following these underestimated scientific tracks.

scholarly journals Exposure to airborne gold nanoparticles: a review of current toxicological data on the respiratory tract

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara De Berardis ◽  
Magda Marchetti ◽  
Anna Risuglia ◽  
Federica Ietto ◽  
Carla Fanizza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Engineered Nanoparticles ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Field Exposure ◽  
The Impact

AbstractIn recent years, the introduction of innovative low-cost and large-scale processes for the synthesis of engineered nanoparticles with at least one dimension less than 100 nm has led to countless useful and extensive applications. In this context, gold nanoparticles stimulated a growing interest, due to their peculiar characteristics such as ease of synthesis, chemical stability and optical properties. This stirred the development of numerous applications especially in the biomedical field. Exposure of manufacturers and consumers to industrial products containing nanoparticles poses a potential risk to human health and the environment. Despite this, the precise mechanisms of nanomaterial toxicity have not yet been fully elucidated. It is well known that the three main routes of exposure to nanomaterials are by inhalation, ingestion and through the skin, with inhalation being the most common route of exposure to NPs in the workplace. To provide a complete picture of the impact of inhaled gold nanoparticles on human health, in this article, we review the current knowledge about the physico-chemical characteristics of this nanomaterial, in the size range of 1–100 nm, and its toxicity for pulmonary structures both in vitro and in vivo. Studies comparing the toxic effect of NPs larger than 100 nm (up to 250 nm) are also discussed.

scholarly journals Newly Emerging Airborne Pollutants: Current Knowledge of Health Impact of Micro and Nanoplastics

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2997
Author(s):  
Alessio Facciolà ◽  
Giuseppa Visalli ◽  
Marianna Pruiti Ciarello ◽  
Angela Di Pietro
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Oxidative Degradation ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Outdoor Exposure ◽  
Environmental Matrices ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Bodily Fluids

Plastics are ubiquitous persistent pollutants, forming the most representative material of the Anthropocene. In the environment, they undergo wear and tear (i.e., mechanical fragmentation, and slow photo and thermo-oxidative degradation) forming secondary microplastics (MPs). Further fragmentation of primary and secondary MPs results in nanoplastics (NPs). To assess potential health damage due to human exposure to airborne MPs and NPs, we summarize the evidence collected to date that, however, has almost completely focused on monitoring and the effects of airborne MPs. Only in vivo and in vitro studies have assessed the toxicity of NPs, and a standardized method for their analysis in environmental matrices is still missing. The main sources of indoor and outdoor exposure to these pollutants include synthetic textile fibers, rubber tires, upholstery and household furniture, and landfills. Although both MPs and NPs can reach the alveolar surface, the latter can pass into the bloodstream, overcoming the pulmonary epithelial barrier. Despite the low reactivity, the number of surface area atoms per unit mass is high in MPs and NPs, greatly enhancing the surface area for chemical reactions with bodily fluids and tissue in direct contact. This is proven in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and flock workers, who are prone to persistent inflammatory stimulation, leading to pulmonary fibrosis or even carcinogenesis.

scholarly journals Going “Green” in the Prevention and Management of Atherothrombotic Diseases: The Role of Dietary Polyphenols

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1490
Author(s):  
Ana Reis ◽  
Sara Rocha ◽  
Victor de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cholesterol Biosynthesis ◽  
Dietary Polyphenols ◽  
Nutritional Strategy ◽  
Flavonoid Intake ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Socio Economic Impact ◽  
The Impact

During the 20th century processed and ready-to-eat foods became routinely consumed resulting in a sharp rise of fat, salt, and sugar intake in people’s diets. Currently, the global incidence of obesity, raised blood lipids, hypertension, and diabetes in an increasingly aged population contributes to the rise of atherothrombotic events and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) mortality. Drug-based therapies are valuable strategies to tackle and help manage the socio-economic impact of atherothrombotic disorders though not without adverse side effects. The inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids to human diets, as recommended by WHO offers a valuable nutritional strategy, alternative to drug-based therapies, to be explored in the prevention and management of atherothrombotic diseases at early stages. Though polyphenols are mostly associated to color and taste in foods, food flavonoids are emerging as modulators of cholesterol biosynthesis, appetite and food intake, blood pressure, platelet function, clot formation, and anti-inflammatory signaling, supporting the health-promoting effects of polyphenol-rich diets in mitigating the impact of risk factors in atherothrombotic disorders and CVD events. Here we overview the current knowledge on the effect of polyphenols particularly of flavonoid intake on the atherothrombotic risk factors and discuss the caveats and challenges involved with current experimental cell-based designs.

Social capital in the theory and research of LIS professionals in the light of the literature on the subject. Review of current knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Dorota Wojciechowska
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
Rural Libraries ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to present the latest scholarly trends in the field of social capital in libraries, to review research concepts published by LIS professionals and to suggest further research possibilities in this area. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a review and critical analysis of literature associated with research on social capital in libraries to highlight its importance for the development of LIS and its impact on the functioning of environments linked with various types of libraries. The goal of literature analysis was to determine the current condition of research on social capital in libraries. The main trends were identified and the need for further qualitative analyses, which are missing at the moment, was confirmed. Findings It was determined that, so far, LIS professionals have focussed mainly on the role of municipal libraries in developing social capital, the problem of building trust, especially in immigrant circles and the impact of libraries on promoting a civil society. Academic libraries, rural libraries, organisational capital in libraries and individual social capital of librarians were a much less frequent subject of research. The role of libraries in developing social capital in educational (primary and secondary education) and professional (non-university professionals) circles is practically non-existent in research, and it will require in-depth studies and analyses in the coming years. Originality/value This paper constitutes a synthetic review of the latest research concepts concerning social capital in libraries. It identifies the most important research trends and areas that so far have not been explored and suggests research methods to help LIS professionals design future research in this area more effectively.

scholarly journals Prediction of Minocycline Activity in the Gut From a Pig Preclinical Model Using a Pharmacokinetic -Pharmacodynamic Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin Vallé ◽  
Béatrice B. Roques ◽  
Alain Bousquet-Mélou ◽  
David Dahlhaus ◽  
Felipe Ramon-Portugal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Content ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Preclinical Model ◽  
Intestinal Contents ◽  
Potential Activity ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pharmacodynamic Approach

The increase of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has renewed interest in old antibiotics, such as minocycline, that can be active against various MDR Gram-negative pathogens. The elimination of minocycline by both kidneys and liver makes it suitable for impaired renal function patients. However, the drawback is the possible elimination of a high amount of drug in the intestines, with potential impact on the digestive microbiota during treatment. This study aimed to predict the potential activity of minocycline against Enterobacterales in the gut after parenteral administration, by combining in vivo and in vitro studies. Total minocycline concentrations were determined by UPLC-UV in the plasma and intestinal content of piglets following intravenous administration. In parallel, the in vitro activity of minocycline was assessed against two Escherichia coli strains in sterilized intestinal contents, and compared to activity in a standard broth. We found that minocycline concentrations were 6–39 times higher in intestinal contents than plasma. Furthermore, minocycline was 5- to 245-fold less active in large intestine content than in a standard broth. Using this PK-PD approach, we propose a preclinical pig model describing the link between systemic and gut exposure to minocycline, and exploring its activity against intestinal Enterobacterales by taking into account the impact of intestinal contents.

scholarly journals HYPOXIA AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: The presence and role of hypoxia in the endometrium

Reproduction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F17
Author(s):  
Rocío Martínez-Aguilar ◽  
Lucy E Kershaw ◽  
Jane J Reavey ◽  
Hilary O D Critchley ◽  
Jacqueline A Maybin
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hypoxic Episode ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Review Current

The endometrium is a multicellular tissue that is exquisitely responsive to the ovarian hormones. The local mechanisms of endometrial regulation to ensure optimal function are less well characterised. Transient physiological hypoxia has been proposed as a critical regulator of endometrial function. Herein, we review the literature on hypoxia in the non-pregnant endometrium. We discuss the pros and cons of animal models, human laboratory studies and novel in vivo imaging for the study of endometrial hypoxia. These research tools provide mounting evidence of a transient hypoxic episode in the menstrual endometrium and suggest that endometrial hypoxia may be present at the time of implantation. This local hypoxia may modify the inflammatory environment, influence vascular remodelling and modulate endometrial proliferation to optimise endometrial function. Finally, we review current knowledge of the impact of this hypoxia on endometrial pathologies, with a focus on abnormal uterine bleeding. Throughout the manuscript areas for future research are highlighted with the aim of concentrating research efforts to maximise future benefits for women and society.

scholarly journals PFAS Environmental Pollution and Antioxidant Responses: An Overview of the Impact on Human Field

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bonato ◽  
Francesca Corrà ◽  
Marta Bellio ◽  
Laura Guidolin ◽  
Laura Tallandini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Pollution ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Antioxidant Defense System ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Environmental Distribution ◽  
Commercial Applications ◽  
The Impact

Due to their unique properties, perfluorinated substances (PFAS) are widely used in multiple industrial and commercial applications, but they are toxic for animals, humans included. This review presents some available data on the PFAS environmental distribution in the world, and in particular in Europe and in Veneto region of Italy, where it has become a serious problem for human health. The consumption of contaminated food and drinking water is considered one of the major source of exposure for humans. Worldwide epidemiological studies report the negative effects that PFAS have on human health, due to environmental pollution, including infertility, steroid hormone perturbation, thyroid, liver and kidney disorders and metabolic disfunctions. In vitro and in vivo researches correlated PFAS exposure to oxidative stress effects (in mammals as well as in other vertebrates of human interest), produced by a PFAS-induced increase of reactive oxygen species formation. The cellular antioxidant defense system is activated by PFAS, but it is only partially able to avoid the oxidative damage to biomolecules.

scholarly journals Health-Promoting Phytonutrients Are Higher in Grass-Fed Meat and Milk

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan van Vliet ◽  
Frederick D. Provenza ◽  
Scott L. Kronberg
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Red Meat ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dairy Consumption ◽  
Nutrient Density ◽  
Nutritional Guidelines ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Anti Oxidant ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

While commission reports and nutritional guidelines raise concerns about the effects of consuming red meat on human health, the impacts of how livestock are raised and finished on consumer health are generally ignored. Meat and milk, irrespective of rearing practices, provide many essential nutrients including bioavailable protein, zinc, iron, selenium, calcium, and/or B12. Emerging data indicate that when livestock are eating a diverse array of plants on pasture, additional health-promoting phytonutrients—terpenoids, phenols, carotenoids, and anti-oxidants—become concentrated in their meat and milk. Several phytochemicals found in grass-fed meat and milk are in quantities comparable to those found in plant foods known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and cardioprotective effects. As meat and milk are often not considered as sources of phytochemicals, their presence has remained largely underappreciated in discussions of nutritional differences between feedlot-fed (grain-fed) and pasture-finished (grass-fed) meat and dairy, which have predominantly centered around the ω-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid. Grazing livestock on plant-species diverse pastures concentrates a wider variety and higher amounts of phytochemicals in meat and milk compared to grazing monoculture pastures, while phytochemicals are further reduced or absent in meat and milk of grain-fed animals. The co-evolution of plants and herbivores has led to plants/crops being more productive when grazed in accordance with agroecological principles. The increased phytochemical richness of productive vegetation has potential to improve the health of animals and upscale these nutrients to also benefit human health. Several studies have found increased anti-oxidant activity in meat and milk of grass-fed vs. grain-fed animals. Only a handful of studies have investigated the effects of grass-fed meat and dairy consumption on human health and show potential for anti-inflammatory effects and improved lipoprotein profiles. However, current knowledge does not allow for direct linking of livestock production practices to human health. Future research should systematically assess linkages between the phytochemical richness of livestock diets, the nutrient density of animal foods, and subsequent effects on human metabolic health. This is important given current societal concerns about red meat consumption and human health. Addressing this research gap will require greater collaborative efforts from the fields of agriculture and medicine.

Composition and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (16) ◽  
pp. 1817-1827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vesna Vučić ◽  
Milkica Grabež ◽  
Armen Trchounian ◽  
Aleksandra Arsić
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Punica Granatum ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Fruit Peel ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Comprehensive Search

Background:: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits are widely consumed and used as preventive and therapeutic agents since ancient times. Pomegranate is a rich source of a variety of phytochemicals, which are responsible for its strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential. Objective:: The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge of chemical structure and potential health benefits of pomegranate. Method: : A comprehensive search of available literature. Results:: The review of the literature confirms that juice and extracts obtained from different parts of this plant, including fruit peel, seeds, and leaves exert health benefits in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial and anti-tumour effects of pomegranate fruit are of particular scientific and clinical interest. Conclusion:: Further investigations are required to clarify the mechanism of action of the bioactive ingredients and to reveal full potential of pomegranate as both preventive and therapeutic agent.

scholarly journals Human Skin Bacterial Community Response to Probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938) Introduction

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1223
Author(s):  
Marie Frerejacques ◽  
Camille Rousselle ◽  
Loüen Gauthier ◽  
Salomé Cottet-Emard ◽  
Léa Derobert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Community ◽  
Lactobacillus Reuteri ◽  
Community Response ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
Colonization Rate ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Skin Microbiota ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
The Impact

The introduction of a strain or consortium has often been considered as a potential solution to restore microbial ecosystems. Extensive research on the skin microbiota has led to the development of probiotic products (with live bacterial strains) that are likely to treat dysbiosis. However, the effects of such introductions on the indigenous microbiota have not yet been investigated. Here, through a daily application of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 on volunteers’ forearm skin, we studied in vivo the impact of a probiotic on the indigenous skin bacterial community diversity using Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) for 3 weeks. The results demonstrate that Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 inoculum had a transient effect on the indigenous community, as the resilience phenomenon was observed within the skin microbiota. Moreover, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 monitoring showed that, despite a high level of detection after 2 weeks of application, thereafter the colonization rate drops drastically. The probiotic colonization rate was correlated significantly to the effect on the indigenous microbial community structure. These preliminary results suggest that the success of probiotic use and the potential health benefits resides in the interactions with the human microbiota.

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