Flavan-3-ols and Vascular Health: Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of Action.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. A healthy diet rich in plant-derived compounds such as (poly)phenols appears to have a key role in improving cardiovascular health. Flavan-3-ols represent a subclass of (poly)phenols of great interest for their possible health benefits.

(+)Alpha-Lipoic Acid Regulates Lipid Metabolism Gene Expression and Lipidic Profile in a Cellular Model of Fatty Acid Overload.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent condition characterized by hepatic fat accumulation, often progressing to severe liver injury, for which approved treatments are currently lacking. This study explores the potential therapeutic impact of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a natural compound crucial in lipid metabolism, on NAFLD using an model.

Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with a palmitic acid:oleic acid (PA:OA) mixture, representing a cellular model of steatosis.

Resveratrol and vascular health: evidence from clinical studies and mechanisms of actions related to its metabolites produced by gut microbiota.

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with dietary factors being the main risk contributors. Diets rich in bioactive compounds, such as (poly)phenols, have been shown to potentially exert positive effects on vascular health. Among them, resveratrol has gained particular attention due to its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.

Underrated aspects of a true Mediterranean diet: understanding traditional features for worldwide application of a "Planeterranean" diet.

Over the last decades, the Mediterranean diet gained enormous scientific, social, and commercial attention due to proven positive effects on health and undeniable taste that facilitated a widespread popularity. Researchers have investigated the role of Mediterranean-type dietary patterns on human health all around the world, reporting consistent findings concerning its benefits. However, what does truly define the Mediterranean diet? The myriad of dietary scores synthesizes the nutritional content of a Mediterranean-type diet, but a variety of aspects are generally unexplored when studying the adherence to this dietary pattern.

Isoflavones Effects on Vascular and Endothelial Outcomes: How Is the Gut Microbiota Involved?

Isoflavones are a group of (poly)phenols, also defined as phytoestrogens, with chemical structures comparable with estrogen, that exert weak estrogenic effects. These phytochemical compounds have been targeted for their proven antioxidant and protective effects. Recognizing the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), there is a growing interest in understanding the potential cardiovascular benefits associated with these phytochemical compounds.

Comparative Evaluation of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet and a Mediterranean Diet in Overweight/Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 16-Week Intervention Study.

Introduction: The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity has been steadily increasing over the past four decades, with projections indicating a significant rise in the number of affected individuals by 2045. Therapeutic interventions in T2DM aim to control blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications. Dietary and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in the management of T2DM and obesity.

The Gestational Pathologies Effect on the Human Milk Redox Homeostasis: A First Step towards Its Definition.

Background: Human Milk (HM) is a dynamic nourishment; its composition is influenced by several conditions such as gestational age, maternal diet and ethnicity. It appears important to evaluate the impact that gestational pathologies have on HM components and if their presence, as a source of oxidative stress in the mother, influence milk's redox homeostasis. To assess the effect of Preeclampsia (PE) and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) on some aspects of human milk redox homeostasis, we chose to investigate both oxidative and antioxidant aspects, with, respectively, Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) and Glutathione (GSH).

Dietary (Poly)phenols and Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Scope: This study aims to systematically review observational studies investigating the relation between dietary (poly)phenol consumption and various cognitive outcomes.

Methods And Results: Embase and PubMed databases are searched from inception to April 2023 for observational studies investigating the relation between dietary (poly)phenol intake and cognitive outcomes. For quantitative analyses, random effects models, subgroup analyses, and dose-response analyses are performed.

Preeclampsia and Its Impact on Human Milk Activin A Concentration.

Background: It is known that preeclampsia affects lactogenesis. However, data on the effects of this pathology on human milk neurobiomarker composition are not available. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of this gestational pathology on activin A levels, a neurobiomarker known to play an important role in the development and protection of the central nervous system.

Anthocyanin Effects on Vascular and Endothelial Health: Evidence from Clinical Trials and Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolites.

Hypertension and derived cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Increased oxidative stress and inflammatory state are involved in different alterations in endothelial functions that contribute to the onset of CVD. Polyphenols, and in particular anthocyanins, have aroused great interest for their antioxidant effects and their cardioprotective role.

Mediterranean diet and chronotype: Data from Italian adults and systematic review of observational studies.

Scientific evidence suggests a relation between dietary factors and sleep. Several studies show that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with better sleep quality, but the relation with chronotype has been only recently explored. The aim of this study was to better understand the relation between chronotype and Mediterranean diet adherence.

Pre-pectoral Breast Reconstruction: Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Two-Stages vs Single-Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Two-stages pre-pectoral breast reconstruction may confer advantages over direct to implant (DTI) and subpectoral reconstruction in selected patients who have no indication for autologous reconstruction. The primary endpoint of the study was to evaluate and compare the incidence of capsular contracture in the pre-pectoral two-stages technique versus the direct to implant technique. Complications related to the two surgical techniques and patient satisfaction were also evaluated.

Dermal Regeneration Template: Reconstruction in Oral Cancer Defects.

Background: Post ablative oral mucosal defect resulting from the removal of tumors can be treated with various techniques.

Purpose: In this paper, we are showing what, in our experience, are the advantages and disadvantages given using biosynthetic skin substitutes when dealing with this kind of lesions.

Materials And Methods: Patients included in the sample came to our attention with both neoplastic lesions (11 subjects) and important scar retraction after previous oncologic surgery (1 subject).

Dietary Fats and Cognitive Status in Italian Middle-Old Adults.

Unlabelled: The increase in life expectancy led to a significant rise in the prevalence of age-related neurological diseases, such as cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. Although genetics certainly play a role, nutrition emerged as a key factor in maintaining optimal cognitive function among older adults. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate whether specific categories and subcategories of dietary fats, based on carbon-chain length, are associated with cognitive status in a cohort of 883 Italian participants over the age of 50.

Dietary Fats and Depressive Symptoms in Italian Adults.

Background: Depression represents one of the major causes of disability worldwide, with an important socioeconomic cost. Although many risk factors have been considered in its pathogenesis, nutrition seems to play a determinant role in its prevention. With regard to individual macronutrients, dietary fats and especially n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are the most studied.

Dietary Fats and Cardio-Metabolic Outcomes in a Cohort of Italian Adults.

Background: Dietary fats, and especially saturated fatty acid (SFA), have been blamed for being the culprit in the dramatic increase in obesity and its associated diseases. However multiple systematic reviews and recent meta-analyses do not support the association between SFA and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the objective of this study was to test whether specific types and subtypes of dietary fats are associated with metabolic outcomes in a cohort of Italian adults.

Fish and human health: an umbrella review of observational studies.

Fish represents one of the most important dietary sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are known to be associated with various health benefits. This study aimed to systematically review existing meta-analyses of observational studies exploring the association between fish intake and various health outcomes. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to retrieve a total of 63 studies.

Total, red and processed meat consumption and human health: an umbrella review of observational studies.

Meat consumption has represented an important evolutionary step for humans. However, modern patterns of consumption, including excess intake, type of meat and cooking method have been the focus of attention as a potential cause of rise in non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between total, red and processed meat with health outcomes and to assess the level of evidence by performing a systematic search of meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies.

The Effect of Dietary Polyphenols on Vascular Health and Hypertension: Current Evidence and Mechanisms of Action.

The aim of this review was to explore existing evidence from studies conducted on humans and summarize the mechanisms of action of dietary polyphenols on vascular health, blood pressure and hypertension. There is evidence that some polyphenol-rich foods, including berry fruits rich in anthocyanins, cocoa and green tea rich in flavan-3-ols, almonds and pistachios rich in hydroxycinnamic acids, and soy products rich in isoflavones, are able to improve blood pressure levels. A variety of mechanisms can elucidate the observed effects.

Polyphenols and neuroprotection: Therapeutic implications for cognitive decline.

Dietary polyphenols have been the focus of major interest for their potential benefits on human health. Several preclinical studies have been conducted to provide a rationale for their potential use as therapeutic agents in preventing or ameliorating cognitive decline. However, results from human studies are scarce and poorly documented.

Roles and competencies in the nutritional domain for the management of the metabolic diseases and in the hospital setting: A position paper of the Italian College of Academic Nutritionists, MED-49 (ICAN-49).

Epidemiological evidence has confirmed the potential causal relationship between specific dietary factors and non-communicable diseases. However, currently nutrition was shown to be insufficiently integrated into medical education, regardless of the country. Without an adequate nutrition education, it is reasonable to assume that future physicians, as well as other health care professionals, will be not able to provide the highest quality care to patients in preventing and treating non-communicable diseases.

Time-restricted feeding is associated with mental health in elderly Italian adults.

In recent years, mental disorders have represented a relevant public health problem due to their deleterious effect on quality of life and the difficulty of timely diagnosis. The growing trends have been shown to be highly influenced by modern society, unhealthy lifestyle and harmful dietary habits. Not only the specific foods or dietary patterns have been hypothesized to play a role on mental health; also, temporal regulation of feeding and fasting has emerged as an innovative strategy to prevent and treat mental health disease.

Time-Restricted Feeding and Metabolic Outcomes in a Cohort of Italian Adults.

Background: research exploring the effects of food timing and frequency on health and disease is currently ongoing. While there is an increasing body of scientific literature showing the potential health benefits of intermittent fasting (IF) in laboratory settings and in animals, studies regarding IF on humans are limited. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between the feeding/fasting time window and metabolic outcomes among adult individuals.