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1.
Sirtuins as Players in the Signal Transduction of Citrus Flavonoids.
Lombardo, GE, Russo, C, Maugeri, A, Navarra, M
International journal of molecular sciences. 2024;(4)
Abstract
Sirtuins (SIRTs) belong to the family of nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent class III histone deacetylases, which come into play in the regulation of epigenetic processes through the deacetylation of histones and other substrates. The human genome encodes for seven homologs (SIRT1-7), which are localized into the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria, with different enzymatic activities and regulatory mechanisms. Indeed, SIRTs are involved in different physio-pathological processes responsible for the onset of several human illnesses, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, obesity and diabetes, age-related disorders, and cancer. Nowadays, it is well-known that Citrus fruits, typical of the Mediterranean diet, are an important source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols. Among these, flavonoids are recognized as potential agents endowed with a wide range of beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and antitumoral ones. On these bases, we offer a comprehensive overview on biological effects exerted by Citrus flavonoids via targeting SIRTs, which acted as modulator of several signaling pathways. According to the reported studies, Citrus flavonoids appear to be promising SIRT modulators in many different pathologies, a role which might be potentially evaluated in future therapies, along with encouraging the study of those SIRT members which still lack proper evidence on their support.
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2.
Exploring Gene-Diet Interactions for Mother-Child Health: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Studies.
Favara, G, Maugeri, A, Magnano San Lio, R, Barchitta, M, Agodi, A
Nutrients. 2024;(7)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal-child health suggests the critical impact of maternal nutrition during the pre-conception and gestational periods, with some genetic variants also playing a significant role. Our systematic review provides an overview of epidemiological studies exploring the interactions between genetic variants, maternal dietary habits, and neonatal and/or maternal pregnancy outcomes. METHODS From its inception until June 2023, we conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. RESULTS On a total of 29 epidemiological studies, 11 studies were conducted to explore the interplay between genetic variants and dietary factors, focusing on the risks associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, recurrent spontaneous abortion, recurrent pregnancy loss, iron deficiency anemia, and gestational weight gain. Concerning neonatal outcomes, six studies investigated the interplay between genetic variants, dietary factors, and anthropometric measures, while eight studies delved into abnormal embryonic development, two studies focused on preterm birth, and two studies explored other neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Deeply understanding gene-diet interactions could be useful in developing highly personalized approaches to maternal and child nutrition, as well as in exploring the potential implications in disease prevention and the promotion of the long-term well-being of both mothers and their offspring.
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3.
Bergamot Byproducts: A Sustainable Source to Counteract Inflammation.
Russo, C, Lombardo, GE, Bruschetta, G, Rapisarda, A, Maugeri, A, Navarra, M
Nutrients. 2024;(2)
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is the result of an acute inflammatory response that fails to eliminate the pathogenic agent or heal the tissue injury. The consequence of this failure lays the foundations to the onset of several chronic ailments, including skin disorders, respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, and, eventually, cancer. In this context, the long-term use of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs to treat chronic illnesses cannot be tolerated by patients owing to the severe side effects. Based on this, the need for novel agents endowed with anti-inflammatory effects prompted to search potential candidates also within the plant kingdom, being recognized as a source of molecules currently employed in several therapeutical areas. Indeed, the ever-growing evidence on the anti-inflammatory properties of dietary polyphenols traced the route towards the study of flavonoid-rich sources, such as Citrus bergamia (bergamot) and its derivatives. Interestingly, the recent paradigm of the circular economy has promoted the valorization of Citrus fruit waste and, in regard to bergamot, it brought to light new evidence corroborating the anti-inflammatory potential of bergamot byproducts, thus increasing the scientific knowledge in this field. Therefore, this review aims to gather the latest literature supporting the beneficial role of both bergamot derivatives and waste products in different models of inflammatory-based diseases, thus highlighting the great potentiality of a waste re-evaluation perspective.
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4.
Targets Involved in the Anti-Cancer Activity of Quercetin in Breast, Colorectal and Liver Neoplasms.
Maugeri, A, Calderaro, A, Patanè, GT, Navarra, M, Barreca, D, Cirmi, S, Felice, MR
International journal of molecular sciences. 2023;(3)
Abstract
Phytochemicals have long been effective partners in the fight against several diseases, including cancer. Among these, flavonoids are valuable allies for both cancer prevention and therapy since they are known to influence a large panel of tumor-related processes. Particularly, it was revealed that quercetin, one of the most common flavonoids, controls apoptosis and inhibits migration and proliferation, events essential for the development of cancer. In this review, we collected the evidence on the anti-cancer activity of quercetin exploring the network of interactions between this flavonol and the proteins responsible for cancer onset and progression focusing on breast, colorectal and liver cancers, owing to their high worldwide incidence. Moreover, quercetin proved to be also a potentiating agent able to push further the anti-cancer activity of common employed anti-neoplastic agents, thus allowing to lower their dosages and, above all, to sensitize again resistant cancer cells. Finally, novel approaches to delivery systems can enhance quercetin's pharmacokinetics, thus boosting its great potentiality even further. Overall, quercetin has a lot of promise, given its multi-target potentiality; thus, more research is strongly encouraged to properly define its pharmaco-toxicological profile and evaluate its potential for usage in adjuvant and chemoprevention therapy.
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5.
Do Nutrients and Nutraceuticals Play a Role in Diabetic Retinopathy? A Systematic Review.
Milluzzo, A, Barchitta, M, Maugeri, A, Magnano San Lio, R, Favara, G, Mazzone, MG, Sciacca, L, Agodi, A
Nutrients. 2022;(20)
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a multifactorial neuro-microvascular disease, whose prevalence ranges from 25% to 60% of subjects affected by diabetes mellitus, representing the main cause of legal blindness in adults of industrialized countries. The treatment of advanced stage of DR is based on invasive and expensive therapies, while few strategies are available for the early stage or prevention. The mechanisms underlying DR involve a complex interplay between the detrimental effects of hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypoxia, and oxidative stress, providing several pathways potentially targeted by nutrients and nutraceuticals. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of observational and interventional studies, evaluating the effect of nutrients and/or nutraceuticals on the risk of DR and their potential use for the treatment of patients with DR. The analysis of the 41 included studies (27 observational and 14 interventional studies) suggests a promising preventive role of some nutrients, in particular for vitamins B (i.e., B1 and B12), D, and E. However, further investigations are necessary to clarify the potential clinical application of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of DR.
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6.
The Effects of Meal Timing and Frequency, Caloric Restriction, and Fasting on Cardiovascular Health: an Overview.
Maugeri, A, Vinciguerra, M
Journal of lipid and atherosclerosis. 2020;(1):140-152
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death worldwide, is strongly affected by diet. Diet can affect CVD directly by modulating the composition of vascular plaques, and indirectly by affecting the rate of aging. This review summarizes research on the relationships of fasting, meal timing, and meal frequency with CVD incidence and progression. Relevant basic research studies, epidemiological studies, and clinical studies are highlighted. In particular, we discuss both intermittent and periodic fasting interventions with the potential to prevent and treat CVD.
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7.
How Dietary Factors Affect DNA Methylation: Lesson from Epidemiological Studies.
Maugeri, A, Barchitta, M
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania). 2020;(8)
Abstract
Over the past decades, DNA methylation has been proposed as a molecular mechanism underlying the positive or negative effects of diet on human health. Despite the number of studies on this topic is rapidly increasing, the relationship between dietary factors, changes in DNA methylation and health outcomes remains unclear. In this review, we summarize the literature from observational studies (cross-sectional, retrospective, or prospective) which examined the association of dietary factors (nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns) with DNA methylation markers among diseased or healthy people during the lifetime. Next, we discuss the methodological pitfalls by examining strengths and limitations of published studies. Finally, we close with a discussion on future challenges of this field of research, raising the need for large-size prospective studies evaluating the association between diet and DNA methylation in health and diseases for appropriate public health strategies.
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8.
The Effects of Dietary Interventions on DNA Methylation: Implications for Obesity Management.
Maugeri, A
International journal of molecular sciences. 2020;(22)
Abstract
Previous evidence from in vivo and observational research suggested how dietary factors might affect DNA methylation signatures involved in obesity risk. However, findings from experimental studies are still scarce and, if present, not so clear. The current review summarizes studies investigating the effect of dietary interventions on DNA methylation in the general population and especially in people at risk for or with obesity. Overall, these studies suggest how dietary interventions may induce DNA methylation changes, which in turn are likely related to the risk of obesity and to different response to weight loss programs. These findings might explain the high interindividual variation in weight loss after a dietary intervention, with some people losing a lot of weight while others much less so. However, the interactions between genetic, epigenetic, environmental and lifestyle factors make the whole framework even more complex and further studies are needed to support the hypothesis of personalized interventions against obesity.
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9.
Chemopreventive Agents and Inhibitors of Cancer Hallmarks: May Citrus Offer New Perspectives?
Cirmi, S, Ferlazzo, N, Lombardo, GE, Maugeri, A, Calapai, G, Gangemi, S, Navarra, M
Nutrients. 2016;(11)
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables have long been recognized as potentially important in the prevention of cancer risk. Thus, scientific interest in nutrition and cancer has grown over time, as shown by increasing number of experimental studies about the relationship between diet and cancer development. This review attempts to provide an insight into the anti-cancer effects of Citrus fruits, with a focus on their bioactive compounds, elucidating the main cellular and molecular mechanisms through which they may protect against cancer. Scientific literature was selected for this review with the aim of collecting the relevant experimental evidence for the anti-cancer effects of Citrus fruits and their flavonoids. The findings discussed in this review strongly support their potential as anti-cancer agents, and may represent a scientific basis to develop nutraceuticals, food supplements, or complementary and alternative drugs in a context of a multi-target pharmacological strategy in the oncology.