Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Dietary Therapeutical Approaches with a Special Focus on Nutraceuticals (Polyphenols): A Mini-Review

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 0113-0123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Ríos-Hoyo ◽  
María J. Cortés ◽  
Huguette Ríos-Ontiveros ◽  
Eduardo Meaney ◽  
Guillermo Ceballos ◽  
...  

More than half of all global deaths in 2010 were related to non-communicable diseases, including obesity, cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses. It has been suggested that the alarming increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease is the epidemiologic result of a nutrition transition characterized by dietary patterns featuring an increase in the intake of total fat, cholesterol, sugars, and other refined carbohydrates, concomitant with low consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber. Although traditional dietary approaches have proven successful as part of the treatment for obesity and cardiometabolic derangements within clinical trial scenarios, they lack effectiveness in the long term, mainly due to poor compliance. Research has thus turned its attention to nutraceutics, nutrients that have the ability to modulate physiological and pathophysiological molecular mechanisms, thus resulting in favorable health outcomes. Polyphenols have been considered as among the bioactive molecules as they are thought to yield beneficial effects by exerting antioxidant activity; however, there are other - and even more robust - metabolic pathways through which polyphenols enhance cardiovascular health, such as via promoting vasodilatory, anti-atherogenic, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. No standard dose has yet been determined, as the effects greatly vary among polyphenols and food sources; thus, there is an imperative need to generate more evidence in order to support dietary recommendations aimed at the prevention and therapeutics of obesity and its associated cardiometabolic diseases.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8706
Author(s):  
Albino Carrizzo ◽  
Carmine Izzo ◽  
Maurizio Forte ◽  
Eduardo Sommella ◽  
Paola Di Pietro ◽  
...  

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetes are a significant public health problem worldwide. Although several novel pharmacological treatments to reduce the progression of CVDs have been discovered during the last 20 years, the better way to contain the onset of CVDs remains prevention. In this regard, nutraceuticals seem to own a great potential in maintaining human health, exerting important protective cardiovascular effects. In the last years, there has been increased focus on identifying natural compounds with cardiovascular health-promoting effects and also to characterize the molecular mechanisms involved. Although many review articles have focused on the individual natural compound impact on cardiovascular diseases, the aim of this manuscript was to examine the role of the most studied nutraceuticals, such as resveratrol, cocoa, quercetin, curcumin, brassica, berberine and Spirulina platensis, on different CVDs.


OENO One ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Louis Teissedre ◽  
Creina Stockley ◽  
Mladen Boban ◽  
Jean-Claude Ruf ◽  
Marta Ortiz Alba ◽  
...  

Accumulating evidence suggests that regular moderate consumption of wine can positively influence risk factors associated with cardiovascular health. These effects are often attributed to grape and wine-derived phenolic compounds and their effects on risk factors such as atherosclerosis, for which mechanisms have been clearly identified, such as a decrease in the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol and reduction of oxidative stress, and an increase in nitric oxide and related restoration of endothelial function. In addition, the ethanol component of wine increases HDL-cholesterol, inhibits platelet aggregation, promotes fibrinolysis and reduces systemic inflammation. Scientific research needs to be conducted, however, before we can begin to provide science-based dietary recommendations, although there is sufficient evidence to generally recommend consuming food sources rich in bioactive compounds such as wine in moderation. This narrative review examines published evidence on the cardioprotective effects associated with wine-derived compounds, with a primary focus on the development and progression of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 784
Author(s):  
Salman Ul Islam ◽  
Muhammad Bilal Ahmed ◽  
Haseeb Ahsan ◽  
Young-Sup Lee

Abnormal lipid metabolism leads to the development of hyperlipidemia, a common cause of multiple chronic disorders, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) currently remains the primary target for treatment of hyperlipidemia. Despite the advancement of treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia, medications used to manage hyperlipidemia are limited to allopathic drugs, which present certain limitations and adverse effects. Increasing evidence indicates that utilization of phytochemicals and plant-based whole foods is an alternative and promising strategy to prevent hyperlipidemia and CVD. The current review focuses on phytochemicals and their pharmacological mode of actions for the regulation of LDL-C and prevention of CVD. The important molecular mechanisms illustrated in detail in this review include elevation of reverse cholesterol transport, inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption, acceleration of cholesterol excretion in the liver, and reduction of cholesterol synthesis. Moreover, the beneficial effects of plant-based whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dried nuts, flax seeds, whole grains, peas, beans, vegan diets, and dietary fibers in LDL-C reduction and cardiovascular health are summarized. This review concludes that phytochemicals and plant-based whole foods can reduce LDL-C levels and lower the risk for CVD.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 265-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bengt-Olof Nilsson ◽  
Lo Persson

Abstract Recent and exciting in vivo studies show that supplementation with the polyamine spermidine (Spd) is cardioprotective and prolongs lifespan in both mice and humans. The mechanisms behind Spd-induced cardioprotection are supposed to involve Spd-evoked stimulation of autophagy, mitophagy and mitochondrial respiration and improved the mechano-elastical function of cardiomyocytes. Although cellular uptake of Spd was not characterized, these results suggest that Spd is imported by the cardiomyocytes and acts intracellularly. In the light of these new and thrilling data, we discuss in the present review cellular polyamine import with a special focus on mechanisms that may be relevant for Spd uptake by electrically excitable cells such as cardiomyocytes.


Author(s):  
Vienna E. Brunt ◽  
Christopher T. Minson

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, and novel therapies are drastically needed to prevent or delay the onset of CVD in order to reduce the societal and healthcare burdens associated with these chronic diseases. One such therapy is 'heat therapy', or chronic, repeated use of hot baths or saunas. Although using heat exposure to improve health is not a new concept, it has received renewed attention in recent years as a growing number of studies have demonstrated robust and widespread beneficial effects of heat therapy on cardiovascular health. Here, we review the existing literature, with particular focus on the molecular mechanisms that underscore the cardiovascular benefits of this practice.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3301
Author(s):  
Maolin Tu ◽  
Weicang Wang ◽  
Guodong Zhang ◽  
Bruce D. Hammock

Substantial human and animal studies support the beneficial effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on colonic inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there are inconsistent results, which have shown that ω-3 PUFAs have no effect or even detrimental effects, making it difficult to effectively implement ω-3 PUFAs for disease prevention. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of ω-3 PUFAs will help to clarify their potential health-promoting effects, provide a scientific base for cautions for their use, and establish dietary recommendations. In this review, we summarize recent studies of ω-3 PUFAs on colonic inflammation and CRC and discuss the potential roles of ω-3 PUFA-metabolizing enzymes, notably the cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, in mediating the actions of ω-3 PUFAs.


2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Triona Joyce ◽  
Alison J Wallace ◽  
Sinead N McCarthy ◽  
Michael J Gibney

AbstractRecommendations limiting the intake of total fat, SFA, MUFA and PUFA have been established in several countries with the aim of reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as CVD. Studies have shown that intakes of total fat and SFA are above desired recommended intake levels across a wide range of age and sex groups. In addition, intakes of PUFA and MUFA are often reported to be less than the desired recommended intake levels. The aims of the present paper are to provide the first data on estimates of current intakes and main food sources of SFA, MUFA and PUFA in Irish children (aged 5–12 years), teenagers (aged 13–17 years) and adults (aged 18–64 years) and to analyse compliance with current dietary recommendations. Data for this analysis were based on the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey (n1379, 18–64 years), the National Children’s Food Survey (n594, 5–12 years) and the National Teen Food Survey (n441, 13–17 years). Results showed that SFA intakes in Irish children, teenagers and adults are high, with only 6 % of children, 11 % of teenagers and 21 % of adults in compliance with the recommended daily intake. The main food groups that contributed to SFA intakes were whole milk; fresh meat; meat products; biscuits, cakes, buns and pastries; and sugars, confectionery and preserves.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (22) ◽  
pp. 12389
Author(s):  
Miriam Buttacavoli ◽  
Gianluca Di Cara ◽  
Elena Roz ◽  
Ida Pucci-Minafra ◽  
Salvatore Feo ◽  
...  

Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops by genetic and epigenetic alterations. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying metastatic dissemination remain unclear and could benefit from multi-omics investigations of specific protein families. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes involved in ECM remodeling and the processing of bioactive molecules. Increased MMP expression promotes the hallmarks of tumor progression, including angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis, and is correlated with a shortened survival. Nevertheless, the collective role and the possible coordination of MMP members in CRC are poorly investigated. Here, we performed a multi-omics analysis of MMP expression in CRC using data mining and experimental investigations. Several databases were used to deeply mine different expressions between tumor and normal tissues, the genetic and epigenetic alterations, the prognostic value as well as the interrelationships with tumor immune-infiltrating cells (TIICs). A special focus was placed on to MMP2 and MMP9: their expression was correlated with immune markers and the interaction network of co-expressed genes disclosed their implication in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune response. Finally, the activity levels of MMP2 and MMP9 in a cohort of colon cancer samples, including tissues and the corresponding sera, was also investigated by zymography. Our findings suggested that MMPs could have a high potency, as they are targeted in colon cancer, and might serve as novel biomarkers, especially for their involvement in the immune response. However, further studies are needed to explore the detailed biological functions and molecular mechanisms of MMPs in CRC, also in consideration of their expression and different regulation in several tissues.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 1251-1262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Octavio Binvignat ◽  
Jordi Olloquequi

: The global burden of neurodegenerative diseases is alarmingly increasing in parallel to the aging of population. Although the molecular mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration are not completely understood, excitotoxicity, defined as the injury and death of neurons due to excessive or prolonged exposure to excitatory amino acids, has been shown to play a pivotal role. The increased release and/or decreased uptake of glutamate results in dysregulation of neuronal calcium homeostasis, leading to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunctions, disturbances in protein turn-over and neuroinflammation. : Despite the anti-excitotoxic drug memantine has shown modest beneficial effects in some patients with dementia, to date, there is no effective treatment capable of halting or curing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This has led to a growing body of research focusing on understanding the mechanisms associated with the excitotoxic insult and on uncovering potential therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms. : In the present review, we examine the molecular mechanisms related to excitotoxic cell death. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive and updated state of the art of preclinical and clinical investigations targeting excitotoxic- related mechanisms in order to provide an effective treatment against neurodegeneration.


Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 453
Author(s):  
Susana M. Chuva de Sousa Lopes ◽  
Marta S. Alexdottir ◽  
Gudrun Valdimarsdottir

Emerging data suggest that a trophoblast stem cell (TSC) population exists in the early human placenta. However, in vitro stem cell culture models are still in development and it remains under debate how well they reflect primary trophoblast (TB) cells. The absence of robust protocols to generate TSCs from humans has resulted in limited knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that regulate human placental development and TB lineage specification when compared to other human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). As placentation in mouse and human differ considerably, it is only with the development of human-based disease models using TSCs that we will be able to understand the various diseases caused by abnormal placentation in humans, such as preeclampsia. In this review, we summarize the knowledge on normal human placental development, the placental disease preeclampsia, and current stem cell model systems used to mimic TB differentiation. A special focus is given to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) family as it has been shown that the TGFβ family has an important role in human placental development and disease.


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