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The Influence of n-3PUFA Supplementation on Muscle Strength, Mass, and Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Santo André, HC, Esteves, GP, Barreto, GHC, Longhini, F, Dolan, E, Benatti, FB
Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). 2023;14(1):115-127
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Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids essential to human health. They play a role in cell membrane integrity, immune and inflammation regulation, cognition and neuromuscular function. As the human body cannot make these fatty acids, they need to be obtained through diet or supplementation. Regarding skeletal muscle, recent research showed that n-3PUFAs may increase the uptake of amino acids by increasing the membrane fluidity in the muscle, and by activating pathways that inhibit protein breakdown. This led to the hypothesis that n-3PUFAs may enhance muscle mass gain and strength. This systematic review sought to gather all available evidence about the impact of n-3PUFA supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and function in healthy young and older adults. The review included 14 studies with a total of 1443 participants. The authors found that n-3PUFA supplementation had no significant effect on muscle mass or muscle function in healthy young and older adults, however, a very small but significant positive effect was noted regarding muscle strength. In the discussion section, the authors explain the challenges of their review and how these findings integrate with the current understanding and other research findings. They concluded more research is needed to get a better insight into the effects of n-3PUFA on muscle function and the variants.
Abstract
The effects of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) supplementation on skeletal muscle are currently unclear. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize all available evidence regarding the influence of n-3PUFA supplementation on muscle mass, strength, and function in healthy young and older adults. Four databases were searched (Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and SportDiscus). Predefined eligibility criteria were determined according to Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, and Study Design. Only peer-reviewed studies were included. The Cochrane RoB2 Tool and the NutriGrade approach were used to access risk of bias and certainty in evidence. Effect sizes were calculated using pre-post scores and analyzed using a three-level, random-effects meta-analysis. When sufficient studies were available, subanalyses were performed in the muscle mass, strength, and function outcomes according to participant's age (<60 or ≥60 years), supplementation dosage (<2 or ≥2 g/day), and training intervention ("resistance training" vs. "none or other"). Overall, 14 individual studies were included, total 1443 participants (913 females; 520 males) and 52 outcomes measures. Studies had high overall risk of bias and consideration of all NutriGrade elements resulted in a certainty assessment of moderate meta-evidence for all outcomes. n-3PUFA supplementation had no significant effect on muscle mass (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.07 [95% CI: -0.02, 0.17], P = 0.11) and muscle function (SMD = 0.03 [95% CI: -0.09, 0.15], P = 0.58), but it showed a very small albeit significant positive effect on muscle strength (SMD = 0.12 [95% CI: 0.006, 0.24], P = 0.04) in participants when compared with placebo. Subgroup analyses showed that age, supplementation dose, or cosupplementation alongside resistance training did not influence these responses. In conclusion, our analyses indicated that n-3PUFA supplementation may lead to very small increases in muscle strength but did not impact muscle mass and function in healthy young and older adults. To our knowledge, this is the first review and meta-analysis investigating whether n-3PUFA supplementation can lead to increases in muscle strength, mass, and function in healthy adults. Registered protocol: doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2FWQT.
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Polyphenols as potential metabolism mechanisms regulators in liver protection and liver cancer prevention.
Li, S, Yin, S, Ding, H, Shao, Y, Zhou, S, Pu, W, Han, L, Wang, T, Yu, H
Cell proliferation. 2023;56(1):e13346
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Multiple risk factors could lead to the development of liver cancer, one of the most common malignant tumours in the world. These risk factors include hepatitis infection, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and excessive alcohol consumption. Polyphenols are bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-viral, hypoglycaemic, anti-hypertensive, antibacterial and anti-proliferative properties. Polyphenols may be effective in reducing the risk of developing liver cancer by altering the metabolism. This review evaluated the effectiveness of polyphenols in protecting the liver and inhibiting hepatocarcinoma development. In addition, the review evaluated several mechanisms by which polyphenols affect glucose and lipid metabolism and mitochondrial metabolism and reduce the effects of oxidative stress, inflammation and toxic metabolites. Further robust studies are required to assess the beneficial effects of polyphenols as a therapeutic agent, as the current knowledge is limited. However, healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to understand the protective effects of polyphenols against liver disease.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is one of the common malignancies. The dysregulation of metabolism is a driver of accelerated tumourigenesis. Metabolic changes are well documented to maintain tumour growth, proliferation and survival. Recently, a variety of polyphenols have been shown to have a crucial role both in liver disease prevention and metabolism regulation. METHODS We conducted a literature search and combined recent data with systematic analysis to comprehensively describe the molecular mechanisms that link polyphenols to metabolic regulation and their contribution in liver protection and liver cancer prevention. RESULTS Targeting metabolic dysregulation in organisms prevents and resists the development of liver cancer, which has important implications for identifying new therapeutic strategies for the management and treatment of cancer. Polyphenols are a class of complex compounds composed of multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups and are the main active ingredients of many natural plants. They mediate a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological functions containing complex lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, iron metabolism, intestinal flora imbalance, as well as the direct interaction of their metabolites with key cell-signalling proteins. A large number of studies have found that polyphenols affect the metabolism of organisms by interfering with a variety of intracellular signals, thereby protecting the liver and reducing the risk of liver cancer. CONCLUSION This review systematically illustrates that various polyphenols, including resveratrol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, dihydromyricetin, quercetin, catechins, curcumin, etc., improve metabolic disorders through direct or indirect pathways to protect the liver and fight liver cancer.
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Effect of Serum Lipid Profile on the Risk of Breast Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 1,628,871 Women.
Nouri, M, Mohsenpour, MA, Katsiki, N, Ghobadi, S, Jafari, A, Faghih, S, Banach, M, Mazidi, M
Journal of clinical medicine. 2022;11(15)
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Elevated fats in the blood have been associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. However, exact relationships between which fats is still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies with 36,590 women aimed to investigate the relationship between fat in the blood and breast cancer risk. The results showed that high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood decreased a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, however other fats in the blood such as triglycerides, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein had no relationship with breast cancer risk. It was concluded that low levels of HDL in the blood are related to an increased risk for breast cancer. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that it is important to recommend exercise, which is a way of increasing HDL’s, in women who are at risk of breast cancer development.
Abstract
Dyslipidemia has been linked to breast cancer incidence. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to further investigate the relationship between the serum lipid profile and breast cancer risk. Databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Sciences were searched up to the end of January 2021 using certain MeSH and non-MeSH keywords and combinations to extract related published articles. Twenty-six prospective studies involving 1,628,871 women, of whom 36,590 were diagnosed with breast cancer during the follow-up period met the inclusion criteria. A negative and significant association was found between the HDL-C level and the risk of breast cancer (relative risk (RR): 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-0.99, I2: 67.6%, p = 0.04). In contrast, TG (RR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.91-1.13, I2: 54.2%, p = 0.79), total cholesterol (TC) (RR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.90-1.06, I2: 67.2%, p = 0.57), apolipoprotein A (ApoA) (RR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.70-1.30, I2: 83.5%, p = 0.78) and LDL-C (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.79-1.09, I2: 0%, p = 0.386) were not associated with breast cancer development. In studies adjusting for hormone use and physical activity, breast cancer risk was positively correlated with TC (RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.10). Similarly, TG was significantly related to breast cancer development after adjustment for baseline lipids (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85-0.99) and race (any races mentioned in each study) (RR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.22-2.65). In the present meta-analysis, HDL-C was inversely related to breast cancer risk. Overall, data on the links between lipids and breast cancer are conflicting. However, there is increasing evidence that low HDL-C is related to an increased risk for this type of malignancy.
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Effect of dietary nitrate on human muscle power: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.
Coggan, AR, Baranauskas, MN, Hinrichs, RJ, Liu, Z, Carter, SJ
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021;18(1):66
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Previous reviews have concluded that dietary nitrate (NO3−) improves maximal neuromuscular power in humans, but these were based on a limited number of studies. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of dietary NO3− supplementation on muscular power in humans. The study also aims to quantify the size of this beneficial effect. 19 studies with a total of 268 participants were included. Most of these used concentrated beetroot juice as the source of NO3− given as an acute dose (short term high level). A positive effect of dietary NO3− on muscle power was observed in all 19 studies. Analyses were done on sub groups - age, sex and the amount of muscle mass engaged in the activity. Dietary NO3− intake significantly increases maximal muscle power in humans. The magnitude of this effect has practical and clinical importance; not just for athletes but also for patient groups. This effect is independent of subject age, sex, or the amount of muscle mass engaged in the activity but may be greater with acute vs. repeated dosing. Further research is needed to determine factors such as the optimal supplementation regimen and target population.
Expert Review
Conflicts of interest:
None
Take Home Message:
- This meta-analysis lends quantitative support to previous narrative reviews that nitrate supplementation can enhance maximal power output.
- These findings are highly relevant to team and strength sport athletes, who may not otherwise be supplementing with nitrates.
- These findings are also highly relevant for older populations, where risk of falls and fractures are high and can lead to significant adverse effects on health and quality of life.
Evidence Category:
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A: Meta-analyses, position-stands, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs)
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B: Systematic reviews including RCTs of limited number
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C: Non-randomized trials, observational studies, narrative reviews
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D: Case-reports, evidence-based clinical findings
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E: Opinion piece, other
Summary Review:
- In 2007, researchers uncovered the ingestion of dietary nitrates reduced the oxygen cost of submaximal exercise, and since, over 100 studies have examined the effects of nitrates on endurance performance.
- With regards to the impact of nitrates on maximal force output, only trivial results had been previously found.
- This review study found that while nitrates do not impact force development, they do demonstrate primary effect on the speed of muscle contraction (i.e. muscular power is the product of force x speed).
- The reviews primary finding was that nitrate intake can significantly enhance muscular power, regardless of subject age or sex.
Clinical practice applications:
- These new findings highlight the ability of dietary nitrates to improve neuromuscular power production is highly relevant for team sport athletes, due to the explosive nature of these sports with constant accelerations and decelerations during training and competition.
- In the general population, falls and fractures amongst older adults significantly reduces quality of life and costs the healthcare system hundreds of millions of pounds to treat.
- Improved contractile properties of muscle, most notably speed of contraction, may offer protection to older adults as well as the benefit of additional nitric oxide (NO) to support vascular health as well.
- The typical intake of dietary nitrates in the general population is about 31-185mg/day in Europe and 40-100mg/day in North America. Most studies use doses between 300-600mg of dietary nitrates. Increasing dietary or supplemental intake is key to achieving the neuromuscular effect.
Considerations for future research:
- The results of the present meta-analysis clearly demonstrate that dietary nitrates increases muscle power in humans, but the mechanism responsible for this effect is still unclear.
- There are notable differences between rodent and human metabolism of dietary nitrates, therefore the biochemical mechanism by which nitrate intake improves human muscle power requires additional study.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous narrative reviews have concluded that dietary nitrate (NO3-) improves maximal neuromuscular power in humans. This conclusion, however, was based on a limited number of studies, and no attempt has been made to quantify the exact magnitude of this beneficial effect. Such information would help ensure adequate statistical power in future studies and could help place the effects of dietary NO3- on various aspects of exercise performance (i.e., endurance vs. strength vs. power) in better context. We therefore undertook a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis to quantify the effects of NO3- supplementation on human muscle power. METHODS The literature was searched using a strategy developed by a health sciences librarian. Data sources included Medline Ovid, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov , and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover experimental design to measure the effects of dietary NO3- on maximal power during exercise in the non-fatigued state and the within-subject correlation could be determined from data in the published manuscript or obtained from the authors. RESULTS Nineteen studies of a total of 268 participants (218 men, 50 women) met the criteria for inclusion. The overall effect size (ES; Hedge's g) calculated using a fixed effects model was 0.42 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29, 0.56; p = 6.310 × 10- 11). There was limited heterogeneity between studies (i.e., I2 = 22.79%, H2 = 1.30, p = 0.3460). The ES estimated using a random effects model was therefore similar (i.e., 0.45, 95% CI 0.30, 0.61; p = 1.064 × 10- 9). Sub-group analyses revealed no significant differences due to subject age, sex, or test modality (i.e., small vs. large muscle mass exercise). However, the ES in studies using an acute dose (i.e., 0.54, 95% CI 0.37, 0.71; p = 6.774 × 10- 12) was greater (p = 0.0211) than in studies using a multiple dose regimen (i.e., 0.22, 95% CI 0.01, 0.43; p = 0.003630). CONCLUSIONS Acute or chronic dietary NO3- intake significantly increases maximal muscle power in humans. The magnitude of this effect-on average, ~ 5%-is likely to be of considerable practical and clinical importance.
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Plant-Based Foods and Their Bioactive Compounds on Fatty Liver Disease: Effects, Mechanisms, and Clinical Application.
Li, HY, Gan, RY, Shang, A, Mao, QQ, Sun, QC, Wu, DT, Geng, F, He, XQ, Li, HB
Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2021;2021:6621644
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Fatty liver disease is the accumulation of fats and inflammation associated with poor dietary patterns. Plant-based foods have been recommended to manage this disease and this review aimed to highlight the most recent data on the mechanisms for this. Beyond their obvious capabilities of being low in fat, plant-based foods may contain naturally occurring compounds that can help alleviate fatty liver disease through improved inflammation, improved gut microbiota and cellular changes. In support of this, clinical benefits on fatty liver outcomes have been reported in the research. There may be safety issues with isolating certain natural compounds from plant-based foods, which requires more research, however plant-based foods is a promising therapy for fatty liver disease.
Abstract
Fatty liver disease (FLD), including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), is a serious chronic metabolic disease that affects a wide range of people. Lipid accumulation accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver is the most important pathogenesis of FLD. The plant-based, high-fiber, and low-fat diet has been recommended to manage FLD for a long time. This review discusses the current state of the art into the effects, mechanisms, and clinical application of plant-based foods in NAFLD and AFLD, with highlighting related molecular mechanisms. Epidemiological evidence revealed that the consumption of several plant-based foods was beneficial to alleviating FLD. Further experimental studies found out that fruits, spices, teas, coffee, and other plants, as well as their bioactive compounds, such as resveratrol, anthocyanin, curcumin, and tea polyphenols, could alleviate FLD by ameliorating hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and apoptosis, as well as regulating autophagy and ethanol metabolism. More importantly, clinical trials confirmed the beneficial effects of plant-based foods on patients with fatty liver. However, several issues need to be further studied especially the safety and effective doses of plant-based foods and their bioactive compounds. Overall, certain plant-based foods are promising natural sources of bioactive compounds to prevent and alleviate fatty liver disease.
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Ketogenic diet in the treatment of cancer - Where do we stand?
Weber, DD, Aminzadeh-Gohari, S, Tulipan, J, Catalano, L, Feichtinger, RG, Kofler, B
Molecular metabolism. 2020;33:102-121
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A literature review paper looking at complementary approaches to improve the efficacy of standard anticancer therapies – specifically the Ketogenic Diet (KD), characterised as a high-fat (90%), low-carbohydrate (2%) diet with adequate amounts of protein (8%). The KD is a low- cost adjuvant to cancer therapy and is considered promising due to its potential to target metabolic alterations in tumour cells. Research shows it potentially limits tumour growth, whilst protecting healthy cells from damage by chemotherapy or radiation and reducing inflammation. The ketones produced by the high ratio of fat in the diet are used to create ATP energy, which cancerous cells are unable to use. Preclinical studies show that in most cases the KD slowed tumour growth, prolonged survival rate, and delayed the initiation of tumours although this may be influenced by cancer type and genetic background. This implies it’s important to evaluate KD efficiency against each individual cancer rather than as a collective anticancer therapy. Gold standard therapy for some cancers is surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However aggressive cancer types with poor prognosis need new approaches where standard therapy is less successful. The authors recognise there is insufficient RCT evidence with large patient cohorts but smaller studies are emerging showing positive results for a KD with patients exceeding their expected lifespan, with reduced tumour growth and progression, reduced glucose up-take at the tumour site and overall improved quality of life. KD seemingly creates an environment in which cancer cells cannot thrive making it a promising adjuvant as a patient-specific multifactorial therapy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the greatest public health challenges worldwide, and we still lack complementary approaches to significantly enhance the efficacy of standard anticancer therapies. The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with adequate amounts of protein, appears to sensitize most cancers to standard treatment by exploiting the reprogramed metabolism of cancer cells, making the diet a promising candidate as an adjuvant cancer therapy. SCOPE OF REVIEW To critically evaluate available preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the ketogenic diet in the context of cancer therapy. Furthermore, we highlight important mechanisms that could explain the potential antitumor effects of the ketogenic diet. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The ketogenic diet probably creates an unfavorable metabolic environment for cancer cells and thus can be regarded as a promising adjuvant as a patient-specific multifactorial therapy. The majority of preclinical and several clinical studies argue for the use of the ketogenic diet in combination with standard therapies based on its potential to enhance the antitumor effects of classic chemo- and radiotherapy, its overall good safety and tolerability and increase in quality of life. However, to further elucidate the mechanisms of the ketogenic diet as a therapy and evaluate its application in clinical practice, more molecular studies as well as uniformly controlled clinical trials are needed.
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Genomics in Personalized Nutrition: Can You "Eat for Your Genes"?
Mullins, VA, Bresette, W, Johnstone, L, Hallmark, B, Chilton, FH
Nutrients. 2020;12(10)
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Genetics may have a huge influence on how nutrients are processed within the body, challenging the one-size-fits-all dietary approach and highlighting the possible need for personalised nutrition based on genetics. There are a growing number of companies that offer genetic nutritional testing, however the science behind this is still in its infancy. This review of 130 papers aimed to discuss the role of genetics in nutrition and the possibility for precision nutrition. The paper stated that dietary components, especially those found in the modern Western diet (WD), may detrimentally interact with genetics. Overconsumption of certain nutrients, changes in nutrient exposure throughout history and the ability of certain nutrients to make small genetic changes are all ways that genetics and diet can interact. Therefore, understanding how an individual’s genetics have been and continue to be affected by diet may ensure effective nutrition recommendations. Ethical implications should be considered prior to testing and whether results will motivate or dissuade an individual to make dietary changes assessed. It was concluded that personalised nutrition recommendations in the future will rely upon understanding an individual’s genetics, however current research has a limited understanding of the numerous diet-genetic interactions. This paper could be used by healthcare professionals to evaluate the need for genetic testing to make personalised recommendations.
Abstract
Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data are now quickly and inexpensively acquired, raising the prospect of creating personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual's genetic variability at multiple SNPs. However, relatively little is known about most specific gene-diet interactions, and many molecular and clinical phenotypes of interest (e.g., body mass index [BMI]) involve multiple genes. In this review, we discuss direct to consumer genetic testing (DTC-GT) and the current potential for precision nutrition based on an individual's genetic data. We review important issues such as dietary exposure and genetic architecture addressing the concepts of penetrance, pleiotropy, epistasis, polygenicity, and epigenetics. More specifically, we discuss how they complicate using genotypic data to predict phenotypes as well as response to dietary interventions. Then, several examples (including caffeine sensitivity, alcohol dependence, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity/appetite, cardiovascular, Alzheimer's disease, folate metabolism, long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis, and vitamin D metabolism) are provided illustrating how genotypic information could be used to inform nutritional recommendations. We conclude by examining ethical considerations and practical applications for using genetic information to inform dietary choices and the future role genetics may play in adopting changes beyond population-wide healthy eating guidelines.
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Nutrients, Genetic Factors, and Their Interaction in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Disease.
Lombardi, R, Iuculano, F, Pallini, G, Fargion, S, Fracanzani, AL
International journal of molecular sciences. 2020;21(22)
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart disease are influenced by diet and genetics. NAFLD cannot be managed with drugs and so lifestyle modification is the main recommendation, which is also advised in heart disease. The aim of this large review of 176 papers was to discuss the role of nutrients and genetics in NAFLD and heart disease. Amongst the main nutrients, excess fructose (a simple sugar) and high saturated and trans-fats were all shown to contribute to the development of both diseases. The influence of protein on NAFLD is controversial. Animal studies suggest that protein can be of benefit, but studies on humans have failed to support this. This is similar for heart disease where large scale trials in humans are not definitive. The role of fibre in NAFLD and heart disease appears to be beneficial. Several micronutrients were also reviewed including vitamins D, K, curcumin, plant chemicals and caffeine. The complex interplay involving genetics was also discussed and although fairly new science, evidence is mounting in support of genetic considerations when making dietary recommendations. It was concluded that diet and genetics influence the development of NAFLD, and heart disease and dietary recommendations need to reflect this. This study could be used by health care professionals to understand the interaction between diet and genetics and the importance of making personalised nutrition recommendations to individuals with NAFLD or heart disease.
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries and expose patients to increased risk of hepatic and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Both environmental factors and genetic predisposition contribute to the risk. An inappropriate diet, rich in refined carbohydrates, especially fructose, and saturated fats, and poor in fibers, polyunsaturated fats, and vitamins is one of the main key factors, as well as the polymorphism of patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3 gene) for NAFLD and the apolipoproteins and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family for the cardiovascular damage. Beyond genetic influence, also epigenetics modifications are responsible for various clinical manifestations of both hepatic and CV disease. Interestingly, data are accumulating on the interplay between diet and genetic and epigenetic modifications, modulating pathogenetic pathways in NAFLD and CV disease. We report the main evidence from literature on the influence of both macro and micronutrients in NAFLD and CV damage and the role of genetics either alone or combined with diet in increasing the risk of developing both diseases. Understanding the interaction between metabolic alterations, genetics and diet are essential to treat the diseases and tailoring nutritional therapy to control NAFLD and CV risk.
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A Review of Dietary (Phyto)Nutrients for Glutathione Support.
Minich, DM, Brown, BI
Nutrients. 2019;11(9)
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Glutathione is made up of 3 amino acids (cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine) and plays important roles in the body, including oxidative stress reduction, supporting the immune system and contributing to detoxification processes. Evidence suggests that it is an important marker and target for treatment in many chronic, age-related diseases. This review article explores the evidence of nutritional strategies to improve glutathione status. The authors examine the evidence for supplementation of the precursors of glutathione as well as with various forms of supplemental glutathione itself, and the impacts on glutathione status and clinical impacts. Crucially, the review article provides information on dietary sources of precursors of glutathione and glutathione itself, which will provide Nutrition Practitioners with compelling information for use in clinic. Lean protein, brassica vegetables, polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables, green tea, herbs and spices and omega-3 rich foods are all discussed in detail.
Abstract
Glutathione is a tripeptide that plays a pivotal role in critical physiological processes resulting in effects relevant to diverse disease pathophysiology such as maintenance of redox balance, reduction of oxidative stress, enhancement of metabolic detoxification, and regulation of immune system function. The diverse roles of glutathione in physiology are relevant to a considerable body of evidence suggesting that glutathione status may be an important biomarker and treatment target in various chronic, age-related diseases. Yet, proper personalized balance in the individual is key as well as a better understanding of antioxidants and redox balance. Optimizing glutathione levels has been proposed as a strategy for health promotion and disease prevention, although clear, causal relationships between glutathione status and disease risk or treatment remain to be clarified. Nonetheless, human clinical research suggests that nutritional interventions, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and foods can have important effects on circulating glutathione which may translate to clinical benefit. Importantly, genetic variation is a modifier of glutathione status and influences response to nutritional factors that impact glutathione levels. This narrative review explores clinical evidence for nutritional strategies that could be used to improve glutathione status.
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Sorting out the Value of Cruciferous Sprouts as Sources of Bioactive Compounds for Nutrition and Health.
Abellán, Á, Domínguez-Perles, R, Moreno, DA, García-Viguera, C
Nutrients. 2019;11(2)
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Vegetable sprouts are naturally rich in nutrients and other beneficial compounds. The sprouts of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, radish and pak choi, stand out due to their high contents of glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. The aim of this review was to compile and update the available knowledge on the production, nutritional composition, and health benefits of cruciferous sprouts. A number of studies have found that compounds found in cruciferous sprouts have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capacities. Consumption of cruciferous sprouts contributes to healthy glucose, insulin and fat levels in the blood, and may be beneficial for the treatment of some metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes. There is evidence that compounds in cruciferous sprouts are a useful tool for enhancing phase II enzymes in the liver, and benefit levels of interleukine-6, C-reactive protein, and tumour necrosis factor-α, and inhibition of NF-κB, among others. The active compounds in these sprouts have an influence on several cardiovascular processes, potentially reducing the risk of several diseases. The lack of consistency between studies with regard to sampling schedules, doses, sample size, etc. means that it is not possible at this time to state the effective dose of sprouts or their active compounds needed in order to achieve health benefits. Further research is needed in this area.
Abstract
Edible sprouts with germinating seeds of a few days of age are naturally rich in nutrients and other bioactive compounds. Among them, the cruciferous (Brassicaceae) sprouts stand out due to their high contents of glucosinolates (GLSs) and phenolic compounds. In order to obtain sprouts enriched in these phytochemicals, elicitation is being increasing used as a sustainable practice. Besides, the evidence regarding the bioavailability and the biological activity of these compounds after their dietary intake has also attracted growing interest in recent years, supporting the intake of the natural food instead of enriched ingredients or extracts. Also, there is a growing interest regarding their uses, consumption, and applications for health and wellbeing, in different industrial sectors. In this context, the present review aims to compile and update the available knowledge on the fundamental aspects of production, enrichment in composition, and the benefits upon consumption of diverse edible cruciferous sprouts, which are sources of phenolic compounds and glucosinolates, as well as the evidence on their biological actions in diverse pathophysiological situations and the molecular pathways involved.