scholarly journals The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Pecora ◽  
Federica Persico ◽  
Alberto Argentiero ◽  
Cosimo Neglia ◽  
Susanna Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

scholarly journals Immunomodulatory Role of Nutrients: How Can Pulmonary Dysfunctions Improve?

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Cristina Gozzi-Silva ◽  
Franciane Mouradian Emidio Teixeira ◽  
Alberto José da Silva Duarte ◽  
Maria Notomi Sato ◽  
Luana de Mendonça Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Lung Health

Nutrition is an important tool that can be used to modulate the immune response during infectious diseases. In addition, through diet, important substrates are acquired for the biosynthesis of regulatory molecules in the immune response, influencing the progression and treatment of chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this way, nutrition can promote lung health status. A range of nutrients, such as vitamins (A, C, D, and E), minerals (zinc, selenium, iron, and magnesium), flavonoids and fatty acids, play important roles in reducing the risk of pulmonary chronic diseases and viral infections. Through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, nutrients are associated with better lung function and a lower risk of complications since they can decrease the harmful effects from the immune system during the inflammatory response. In addition, bioactive compounds can even contribute to epigenetic changes, including histone deacetylase (HDAC) modifications that inhibit the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines, which can contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis in the context of infections and chronic inflammatory diseases. These nutrients also play an important role in activating immune responses against pathogens, which can help the immune system during infections. Here, we provide an updated overview of the roles played by dietary factors and how they can affect respiratory health. Therefore, we will show the anti-inflammatory role of flavonoids, fatty acids, vitamins and microbiota, important for the control of chronic inflammatory diseases and allergies, in addition to the antiviral role of vitamins, flavonoids, and minerals during pulmonary viral infections, addressing the mechanisms involved in each function. These mechanisms are interesting in the discussion of perspectives associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its pulmonary complications since patients with severe disease have vitamins deficiency, especially vitamin D. In addition, researches with the use of flavonoids have been shown to decrease viral replication in vitro. This way, a full understanding of dietary influences can improve the lung health of patients.

Abstract P226: Decreasing Cardiovascular Risk via Hypertriglyceridemia Treatment: The Impact of Medical Education on Physician Understanding of the Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Larkin ◽  
George Boutsalis ◽  
Michael LaCouture
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Medical Education ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Assessment ◽  
Assessment Questions

Introduction: Triglycerides, although lacking the strong atherogenic potential of LDL-C, are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), as demonstrated by the correlation between hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular (CV) death, CV events, and myocardial infarction. The impact of continuing medical education (CME) on improving the knowledge and competence of cardiologists in treating hypertriglyceridemia with omega-3 fatty acids was measured. Methods: Cardiologists in the US who treat patients with hypertriglyceridemia participated in an online CME activity on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in treating hypertriglyceridemia and the differences between available formulations. The educational impact was assessed using linked pre- and post-assessment questions, and participants were classified into one of 3 learning categories: improved learners (incorrect pre, correct post), reinforced learners (correct pre and post), and unaffected learners (incorrect pre and post). The educational effect size was calculated using Cohen's d formula. Results: A total of 169 cardiologists participated in the CME activity, completed the pre- and post-assessment, and were included in the analysis. Comparison of pre- and post-assessment responses for each individual question demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and competence among cardiologists ( P <.05). After completion of the CME activity, correct responses on post-assessment questions increased between 25% to 158% across all questions compared to pre-assessment responses, with an overall large effect size of 1.065 (Small effect ,<0.4; intermediate effect, 0.4-0.8; large effect, >0.8). Between 17% and 51% of participants showed improvement in understanding individual learning concepts; these concepts were reinforced in 18% to 28% of participants. Improvement was demonstrated in understanding recent American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guideline recommendations on the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. There was a need for further education in understanding the mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids, the differences between prescription and supplement forms of omega-3 fatty acids, and the pharmacodynamic differences between the different formulations of omega-3 fatty acids. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the success of a targeted educational intervention on improving the knowledge and competence of US cardiologists on the role of omega-3 fatty acids to treat hypertriglyceridemia and reduce CVD. However, the need for additional education was also demonstrated among cardiologists with regard to understanding the different omega-3 fatty acid formulations and their mechanisms of action in order to effectively use these agents.

scholarly journals Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip C. Calder ◽  
Anitra C. Carr ◽  
Adrian F. Gombart ◽  
Manfred Eggersdorfer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Low Cost Strategy ◽  
Tract Infections

Public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations help reduce the spread and impact of infections. Nevertheless, the global burden of infection is high, and additional measures are necessary. Acute respiratory tract infections, for example, were responsible for approximately 2.38 million deaths worldwide in 2016. The role nutrition plays in supporting the immune system is well-established. A wealth of mechanistic and clinical data show that vitamins, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate; trace elements, including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper; and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid play important and complementary roles in supporting the immune system. Inadequate intake and status of these nutrients are widespread, leading to a decrease in resistance to infections and as a consequence an increase in disease burden. Against this background the following conclusions are made: (1) supplementation with the above micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids is a safe, effective, and low-cost strategy to help support optimal immune function; (2) supplementation above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but within recommended upper safety limits, for specific nutrients such as vitamins C and D is warranted; and (3) public health officials are encouraged to include nutritional strategies in their recommendations to improve public health.

scholarly journals NLRP7 Promotes Choriocarcinoma Growth and Progression through the Establishment of an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2999
Author(s):  
Deborah Reynaud ◽  
Roland Abi Nahed ◽  
Nicolas Lemaitre ◽  
Pierre-Adrien Bolze ◽  
Wael Traboulsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Major Gene ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Orthotopic Model ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Maternal Immune Response ◽  
The Impact

The inflammatory gene NLRP7 is the major gene responsible for recurrent complete hydatidiform moles (CHM), an abnormal pregnancy that can develop into gestational choriocarcinoma (CC). However, the role of NLRP7 in the development and immune tolerance of CC has not been investigated. Three approaches were employed to define the role of NLRP7 in CC development: (i) a clinical study that analyzed human placenta and sera collected from women with normal pregnancies, CHM or CC; (ii) an in vitro study that investigated the impact of NLRP7 knockdown on tumor growth and organization; and (iii) an in vivo study that used two CC mouse models, including an orthotopic model. NLRP7 and circulating inflammatory cytokines were upregulated in tumor cells and in CHM and CC. In tumor cells, NLRP7 functions in an inflammasome-independent manner and promoted their proliferation and 3D organization. Gravid mice placentas injected with CC cells invalidated for NLRP7, exhibited higher maternal immune response, developed smaller tumors, and displayed less metastases. Our data characterized the critical role of NLRP7 in CC and provided evidence of its contribution to the development of an immunosuppressive maternal microenvironment that not only downregulates the maternal immune response but also fosters the growth and progression of CC.

Jumping on the Omega-3 Bandwagon: Distinguishing the Role of Long-Chain and Short-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 795-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni M. Turchini ◽  
Peter D. Nichols ◽  
Colin Barrow ◽  
Andrew J. Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Short Chain ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Long Chain

Immunometabolic role of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in obesity-induced inflammation

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 431-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Flock ◽  
Connie J. Rogers ◽  
K. Sandeep Prabhu ◽  
Penny M. Kris-Etherton
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Long Chain

Omega-3 fatty acids effectively modulate growth performance, immune response, and disease resistance in fish against multiple stresses

Aquaculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 737506
Author(s):  
Neeraj Kumar ◽  
Nitish Kumar Chandan ◽  
Sanjay Kumar Gupta ◽  
Shashi Bhushan ◽  
Pooja Bapurao Patole
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Disease Resistance ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Multiple Stresses

scholarly journals Effects of omega-3 supplementation on interleukin and neurotrophin levels in an animal model of schizophrenia

2015 ◽  
Vol 87 (2 suppl) ◽  
pp. 1475-1486 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALEXANDRA I. ZUGNO ◽  
LARA CANEVER ◽  
GUSTAVO MASTELLA ◽  
ALEXANDRA S. HEYLMANN ◽  
MARIANA B. OLIVEIRA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Animal Model ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Mechanism Of Action ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Concomitant Treatment ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Preventive Effect

ABSTRACTNew studies suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3, may reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. The present study evaluated the preventive effect of omega-3 on interleukines (IL) and neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brains of young rats subjected to a model of schizophrenia. Treatment was performed over 21 days, starting on the 30th day of rat's life. After 14 days of treatment with omega-3 or vehicle, a concomitant treatment with saline or ketamine (25 mg/kg) was started and maintained until the last day of the experiment. BDNF levels in the rat's prefrontal cortex were decreased at 1 h and 24 h after the last administration of ketamine, whereas the group administered with ketamine and omega-3 showed a decrease in BDNF levels only after 24 h. In contrast, both interventions induced similar responses in levels of IL-1β and IL6. These findings suggest that the similarity of IL-1β and IL6 levels in our experimental groups is due to the mechanism of action of ketamine on the immune system. More studies have to be carried out to explain this pathology. In conclusion, according to previous studies and considering the current study, we could suggest a prophylactic role of omega-3 against the outcome of symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

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