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1.
Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Diet Polyphenols and Their Modulation of Gut Microbiota.
Lippolis, T, Cofano, M, Caponio, GR, De Nunzio, V, Notarnicola, M
International journal of molecular sciences. 2023;(4)
Abstract
It is generally accepted that diet-derived polyphenols are bioactive compounds with several potentially beneficial effects on human health. In general, polyphenols have several chemical structures, and the most representative are flavonoids, phenolic acids, and stilbenes. It should be noted that the beneficial effects of polyphenols are closely related to their bioavailability and bioaccessibility, as many of them are rapidly metabolized after administration. Polyphenols-with a protective effect on the gastrointestinal tract-promote the maintenance of the eubiosis of the intestinal microbiota with protective effects against gastric and colon cancers. Thus, the benefits obtained from dietary supplementation of polyphenols would seem to be mediated by the gut microbiota. Taken at certain concentrations, polyphenols have been shown to positively modulate the bacterial component, increasing Lactiplantibacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. involved in the protection of the intestinal barrier and decreasing Clostridium and Fusobacterium, which are negatively associated with human well-being. Based on the diet-microbiota-health axis, this review aims to describe the latest knowledge on the action of dietary polyphenols on human health through the activity of the gut microbiota and discusses micro-encapsulation of polyphenols as a strategy to improve the microbiota.
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2.
Adherence to a healthy lifestyle and multiple sclerosis: a case-control study from the UK Biobank.
Veronese, N, Yang, L, Piccio, L, Smith, L, Firth, J, Marx, W, Giannelli, G, Caruso, MG, Cisternino, AM, Notarnicola, M, et al
Nutritional neuroscience. 2022;(6):1231-1239
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common and disabling condition. The importance of healthy lifestyle for this disease is poorly explored. OBJECTIVE To test whether adherence to healthier lifestyle patterns is associated with a lower presence of multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS By using a case-control design, we investigated the combined association of four healthy lifestyle-related factors (no current smoking, healthy diet, exercising regularly, body mass index <30 kg/m2) and the prevalence of MS. A logistic regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounders, was used and data reported as odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS 728 participants with MS were matched with healthy controls (n = 2,912) using a propensity score approach. In a multivariable analysis, compared to those who scored low in the composite lifestyle score (0-1 healthy lifestyle factors), people who adopted all four low risk lifestyle factors showed a 71% lower odds of having MS (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.15-0.56). Moreover, there was a strong linear trend, suggesting that the higher number of healthy lifestyle behaviors was associated with lower odds of having MS. CONCLUSION Following a healthy lifestyle is associated with a lower prevalence of MS. This association should be explored further in cohort studies.
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3.
Nutraceuticals: Focus on Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, Antioxidant Properties in Gastrointestinal Tract.
Caponio, GR, Lippolis, T, Tutino, V, Gigante, I, De Nunzio, V, Milella, RA, Gasparro, M, Notarnicola, M
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(7)
Abstract
In recent years, nutraceuticals have gained great popularity, owing to their physiological and potential health effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and prebiotic effects, and their regulation of lipid metabolism. Since the Mediterranean diet is a nutritionally recommended dietary pattern including high-level consumption of nutraceuticals, this review aimed to summarize the main results obtained by our in vitro and in vivo studies on the effects of the major constituents of the Mediterranean diet (i.e., extra virgin olive oil compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fruit components). Based on experimental studies, the therapeutic purpose of nutraceuticals depends on their bioavailability, solubility, toxicity, and delivery system. This review provides more in-depth knowledge on the effects linked to nutraceuticals administration on human health, focusing the gastrointestinal tract and suggesting specific dietary components for personalized adjuvant therapies.
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4.
Beneficial Effects of Table Grape Use on Serum Levels of Omega-3 Index and Liver Function: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
Notarnicola, M, De Nunzio, V, Lippolis, T, Tutino, V, Cisternino, AM, Iacovazzi, PA, Milella, RA, Gasparro, M, Negro, R, Polignano, M, et al
Biomedicines. 2022;(9)
Abstract
This clinical trial was aimed to investigate the effects of fresh table grape intake on the serum levels of the Omega-3 index, defined as the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels. Forty consecutive healthy subjects were randomly assigned to the control group, receiving only dietary recommendations, and the grape group receiving a daily dose of 5 g of fresh table grape per kg of body weight, for 21 days. Compared with baseline, the grape treatment produced no significant difference in the serum levels of glucose, liver transaminase, and triglycerides, with the exception of cholesterol value, which was significantly reduced in both control and grape group (180.5 ± 20.32 vs. 196.1 ± 30.0 and 181.4 ± 21.9 vs. 194.3 ± 37.5, respectively). After 4 weeks from the end of grape treatment, the analysis of single fatty acids showed a significant increase in oleic acid content (14.15 ± 1.8 vs. 12.85 ± 1.6, p < 0.05) and a significant induction of the Omega-3 index (8.23 ± 1.9 vs. 6.09 ± 1.2, p < 0.05), associated with increased serum levels of adiponectin (24.09 ± 1.08 vs. 8.8 ± 0.7, p < 0.001). In contrast, the expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a molecule associated with metabolic syndrome and liver disease, was significantly reduced (37.9 ± 6.8 vs. 107.8 ± 10.1, p < 0.001). The data suggest that the intake of fresh grape improves the Omega-3 index in the serum and exerts beneficial effects on liver function through the overexpression of adiponectin and the reduction in FGF21 levels.
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5.
Impact of Fresh Table Grape Intake on Circulating microRNAs Levels in Healthy Subjects: A Significant Modulation of Gastrointestinal Cancer-Related Pathways.
Tutino, V, De Nunzio, V, Milella, RA, Gasparro, M, Cisternino, AM, Gigante, I, Lanzilotta, E, Iacovazzi, PA, Lippolis, A, Lippolis, T, et al
Molecular nutrition & food research. 2021;(21):e2100428
Abstract
SCOPE The study aims to investigate the effects of fresh table grape consumption in healthy subjects on circulating levels of the most common human microRNAs (miRNAs). The regulatory network governed by these modulated miRNAs is also investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Autumn Royal table grape, used in this study, is chosen for its high polyphenolic content and antioxidant properties. The study is a randomized controlled trial, in which 40 consecutive subjects are recruited on a voluntary basis and randomly assigned to two groups of the study, the control group, receiving only dietary recommendations and a grape group receiving a daily dose of 5 g of fresh table grape per kg of body weight for 21 days. All analyses are performed at baseline and after 21 days of dietary treatment. Circulating miRNAs levels are detected by Real-Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) followed by bioinformatic functional analysis. The study identifies 20 circulating miRNAs differentially expressed in healthy subjects after grape intake, and in particular, 18 of 20 are down-regulated and 2 are up-regulated. CONCLUSION The dietary intake of table grape affects circulating miRNAs levels in healthy subjects, particularly the miRNAs related to pathways involved in counteracting cancer development, including gastrointestinal cancers.
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6.
The Relationship between Low Serum Vitamin D Levels and Altered Intestinal Barrier Function in Patients with IBS Diarrhoea Undergoing a Long-Term Low-FODMAP Diet: Novel Observations from a Clinical Trial.
Linsalata, M, Riezzo, G, Orlando, A, D'Attoma, B, Prospero, L, Tutino, V, Notarnicola, M, Russo, F
Nutrients. 2021;(3)
Abstract
Decreased serum vitamin D (VD) levels have been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). VD can also modulate the intestinal barrier. Given the link between the GI barrier's alterations and diet, attention has aroused the positive effects of the Low FODMAP Diet (LFD) on IBS patients' symptom profile. We evaluated the GI symptoms and the urinary and circulating markers of GI barrier function, the markers of inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis in 36 IBS patients with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) (5 men and 31 women, 43.1 ± 1.7 years) categorized for their circulating VD levels in low (L-VD) and normal (N-VD) (cutoff = 20 ng/mL). Evaluations were performed before and after 12 weeks of LFD. At the baseline, L-VD patients showed a significantly worse symptom profile and altered small intestinal permeability (s-IP) than N-VD. After LFD, a significant increase in the circulating VD levels in both the subgroups and a significant improvement of s-IP in L-VD patients occurred. Finally, VD levels negatively correlated with the symptom score and fecal zonulin. These data highlight the close relationship between VD and the intestinal barrier and support their involvement in IBS-D pathophysiology. Moreover, the potentially positive role of LFD in the management of IBS-D was confirmed.
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7.
Association of Alpha B-Crystallin Expression with Tumor Differentiation Grade in Colorectal Cancer Patients.
Pagano, C, Navarra, G, Gazzerro, P, Vitale, M, Notarnicola, M, Caruso, MG, Cavalcanti, E, Armentano, R, Laezza, C, Bifulco, M
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;(5)
Abstract
Alpha B-crystallin (CRYAB, HSPB5) belongs to the small heat shock protein (HSP) family and is highly expressed in various human cancers, suggesting a crucial role in tumor progression. However, few studies have examined CRYAB expression in colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, we investigated the relationship between CRYAB expression and the clinicopathological features of CRC samples. We comparatively analyzed CRYAB protein expression in 111 CRC tissues and normal adjacent colonic tissue, observing that it was significantly lower in CRC tissues than in corresponding non-cancerous tissues. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant correlation between CRYAB expression and high histological grade G3 (p = 0.033). In summary, our results point to its possible application as a prognostic biomarker in CRC patients.
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8.
Colorectal Cancer and Bone Tissue: Fantastic Relations and Where to Find Them.
Gigante, I, Tutino, V, De Nunzio, V, Notarnicola, M
Cancers. 2020;(8)
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. There is a need for the early diagnosis of CRC for a better prognostic outcome. It is, therefore, crucial to understand the CRC pathogenesis in all its aspects. In many cases, one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths is the presence of metastases. In this context, an often overlooked aspect is the metastatic tropism, since CRC, like other cancers, is more prone to metastasize some organs rather than others. Beyond the liver and lung, and differently from other types of cancers, a not usual site of CRC metastases is the bone. However, it may assume a crucial role in the development and the outcome of the disease. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the complex relations between bone markers and CRC pathogenesis, suggesting the use of these molecules as potential targets for therapeutic purposes. Different osteogenic molecules, some of whom are growth factors and are implicated in the different osteogenic pathways, have been proved to also be involved in CRC progression. Some of them are oncogenes, while others oncosuppressors, and in a future perspective, some of them may represent new potential CRC biomarkers.
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9.
Remnant cholesterol as a risk factor for cardiovascular, cancer or other causes mortality: A competing risks analysis.
Bonfiglio, C, Leone, CM, Silveira, LVA, Guerra, R, Misciagna, G, Caruso, MG, Bruno, I, Buongiorno, C, Campanella, A, Guerra, VMB, et al
Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. 2020;(11):2093-2102
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cardiovascular diseases (CVDis) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Even after the introduction of pharmacological therapy to lower Cholesterol, there is still a residual risk that may be ascribed to remnant cholesterol (RC). We aimed, by analyzing two prospective cohort studies, to estimate the effect of RC on risk and hazard of cardiovascular deaths (CVDs), while accounting for competing risks such as cancer (CDs) and other-causes deaths (OCDs). METHODS AND RESULTS Cohorts were enrolled in 1992 and 2005. Personal data history was recorded. A fasting venous blood sample was obtained, and RC was calculated at baseline. Cause of Death was coded by using ICD-10th version. Follow-up ended on December 31, 2017. Flexible parametric competing-risks models were applied, with age at death as time-axis. In total, 5729 subjects were enrolled. There were 861 (15.1%) deaths: 234 CVDs (27.2%), 245 CDs (28.5%), 271 OCDs (31.5%) and 111 unknown causes of death (12.8%). RC exposure was a strong risk factor only for CVDs (Risk 2.54, 95% Confidence Interval 1.21; 5.34; Trend 1.26 (1.00; 1.58) for ≥1.29 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS RC is a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Competing risk analysis is demonstrably a useful tool to disentangle associations among different competing events with a common risk factor.
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10.
Dietary inflammatory index and mortality: a cohort longitudinal study in a Mediterranean area.
Veronese, N, Cisternino, AM, Shivappa, N, Hebert, JR, Notarnicola, M, Reddavide, R, Inguaggiato, R, Guerra, V, Logroscino, A, Rotolo, O, et al
Journal of human nutrition and dietetics : the official journal of the British Dietetic Association. 2020;(1):138-146
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) scores are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the effects of DII on mortality in Mediterranean countries. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential association between DII scores and overall, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in people living in a Mediterranean area. METHODS DII scores were calculated using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. DII scores were then categorised into tertiles. Mortality was ascertained via death certificates. The association between DII scores with overall and cause-specific mortality was assessed via a multivariable Cox's regression analysis and reported as hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS The study included 1565 participants (mean age 65.5 years; females 44.7%). After a median follow-up of 12 years (2005-2017), 366 (23.4%) participants died. After adjusting for 17 potential confounders, people with higher DII scores had an increased risk of death compared to those in the lowest (most anti-inflammatory) tertile (HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.04-1.82 for the second tertile; HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.03-1.86 for the third tertile). Each 1 SD increase in DII score increased the risk of death by 13%. No association was found between DII scores and cancer or CVD death when considered separately. CONCLUSIONS Higher DII scores were associated with a significantly higher mortality risk, whereas the association with cause-specific mortality was less clear. These findings highlight the potential importance of diet in modulating inflammation and preventing death.