Effects of Italian Mediterranean organic diet vs. low-protein diet in nephropathic patients according to MTHFR genotypes

Effects of Mediterranean diets and nutrigenomics on cardiovascular health

The field of nutrigenomics studies the interaction between nutrition and genetics, and how certain dietary patterns can impact gene expression and overall health. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been linked to better cardiovascular health (CVH) outcomes. This review summarizes the current state of research on the effects of nutrigenomics and MedDiet on cardiovascular health. Results suggest that MedDiet, through its impact on gene expression, can positively influence CVH markers such as blood pressure, lipid profile, and inflammation. However, more research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between genetics, nutrition, and CVH, and to determine the optimal dietary patterns for individualized care. The aim of this scientific review is to evaluate the current evidence on the effects of nutrigenomics and MedDiet on cardiovascular health. The review summarizes the available studies that have investigated the relationship between nutrition, genetics, and cardiovascular health, and explores the mechanisms by which certain dietary patterns can impact CVH outcomes. The review focuses on the effects of MedDiet, a dietary pattern that is rich in whole foods and healthy fats, and its potential to positively influence CVH through its impact on gene expression. The review highlights the limitations of current research and the need for further studies to fully understand the complex interplay between nutrition, genetics, and cardiovascular health.

Chronic Kidney Disease Diets for Kidney Failure Prevention: Insights from the IL-11 Paradigm

Nearly every fifth adult in the United States and many older adults worldwide are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can progress to kidney failure requiring invasive kidney replacement therapy. In this review, we briefly examine the pathophysiology of CKD and discuss emerging mechanisms involving the physiological resolution of kidney injury by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) and interleukin-11 (IL-11), as well as the pathological consequences of IL-11 overproduction, which misguides repair processes, ultimately culminating in CKD. Taking these mechanisms into account, we offer an overview of the efficacy of plant-dominant dietary patterns in preventing and managing CKD, while also addressing their limitations in terms of restoring kidney function or preventing kidney failure. In conclusion, this paper outlines novel regeneration strategies aimed at developing a reno-regenerative diet to inhibit IL-11 and promote repair mechanisms in kidneys affected by CKD.

Dietary Behavior and Determinants of Diet Quality among Primary Health Care Patients in Poland

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present research was to determine the factors influencing the prevalence of eating behaviors, diet quality, and unhealthy eating among primary healthcare patients in Poland.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study included 896 adult primary care patients in Łódź. The study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2021 among thirty-four primary healthcare facilities. A survey recorded the sociodemographic data of the respondents as well as data regarding their health condition and diet.

RESULTS

The majority of the respondents (57.6%) had average dietary habits, while 40% had unhealthy eating habits. The univariable logistic regression found that primary care patients with medium/secondary education had a 1.5 times greater risk of unhealthy eating habits, and those with post-secondary vocational education had a 1.75 times greater risk of unhealthy eating habits than those with higher education (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.08-1.97, p ≤ 0.01, and OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.04-2.94, p ≤ 0.05). The multivariable logistic regression confirmed that the level of education had a significant impact on dietary habits: for medium/secondary education, OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.03-1.91 (p ≤ 0.01); for post-secondary vocational education, OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.0-2.85 (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The education level was significantly correlated with the prevalence of unhealthy eating behaviors in the studied population. This factor should be considered in the promotion of healthy eating behaviors and nutritional counseling interventions conducted by family physicians in primary health care.

Genetics of Exercise and Diet-Induced Fat Loss Efficiency: A Systematic Review

Physical exercise and dieting are well-known and effective methods for fat loss and improving cardiovascular health. However, different individuals often react differently to the same exercise regimen or dietary plan. While specific individuals may undergo substantial fat loss, others may observe only limited effects. A wide range of inter-individual variability in weight gain and changes in body composition induced by physical exercises and diets led to an investigation into the genetic factors that may contribute to the individual variations in such responses. This systematic review aimed at identifying the genetic markers associated with fat loss resulting from diet or exercise. A search of the current literature was performed using the PubMed database. Forty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria when assessing genetic markers associated with weight loss efficiency in response to different types of exercises and diets. Overall, we identified 30 genetic markers of fat-loss efficiency in response to different kinds of diets and 24 in response to exercise. Most studies (n = 46) used the candidate gene approach. We should aspire to the customized selection of exercise and dietary plans for each individual to prevent and treat obesity.

Changes in gut microbiota composition after 12 weeks of a home-based lifestyle intervention in breast cancer survivors during the COVID-19 lockdown

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based lifestyle intervention (based on nutrition and exercise) on gut microbial composition in twenty BC survivors of the MoviS clinical trial (protocol: NCT04818359).

Methods

Gut microbiota analysis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, anthropometrics, Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence, and cardiometabolic parameters were evaluated before (Pre) and after (Post) the lifestyle intervention (LI).

Results

Beneficial effects of the LI were observed on MD adherence, and cardiometabolic parameters (pre vs post). A robust reduction of Proteobacteria was observed after LI, which is able to reshape the gut microbiota by modulating microorganisms capable of decreasing inflammation and others involved in improving the lipid and glycemic assets of the host. A significant negative correlation between fasting glucose and Clostridia_vadinBB60 (r = -0.62), insulin and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index and Butyricicoccus genera (r = -0.72 and -0.66, respectively), and HDL cholesterol and Escherichia/Shigella (r = -0.59) have been reported. Moreover, positive correlations were found between MD adherence and Lachnospiraceae_ND3007 (r = 0.50), Faecalibacterium (r = 0.38) and Butyricimonas (r = 0.39).

Conclusion

These data suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle, may contribute to ameliorate several biological parameters that could be involved in the prevention of cancer relapses through the modulation of gut microbiota.

Modified Mediterranean-Ketogenic Diet and Carboxytherapy as Personalized Therapeutic Strategies in Lipedema: A Pilot Study

In recent years, the use of the ketogenic diet as a proper nutritional treatment for lipedema has been hypothesized in the literature. This is the first clinical study evaluating the ketogenic diet and carboxytherapy in lipedema patients. In the present study, it was decided to use a modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet (MMKD) in combination with carboxytherapy. Since lipedema is characterized by microangiopathy, local hypoxia, and increased subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) deposition, carboxytherapy could improve painful symptoms and skin tone. A total of 22 subjects were included in the data analysis, divided into three groups; 8 patients underwent MMKD combined with carboxytherapy sessions (KDCB group), 8 underwent MMKD nutritional treatment alone (KD group), and 6 patients underwent only carboxytherapy sessions (CB group), for a total of 10 weeks of treatment for all three groups. It was observed that the ketogenic diet effectively induced weight and fat mass loss, including in the limbs, areas considered unresponsive to diet therapy in lipedema patients. However, the best results were obtained from the combination of the ketogenic diet and carboxytherapy, which showed improvements in both body composition and skin texture and a reduction in pain, along with an improvement in sleep quality. It would be helpful to conduct a clinical trial on a larger scale and over a more extended period to observe the results in the long term as well.

Utility of SIFT-MS to evaluate volatile organic compounds in nephropathic patients' breath

Several studies highlighted a correlation between exhaled air volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and some pathological conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic liver disease, etc. In fact, in literature has been reported that CKD is characterized by an increased concentration of ammonia, trimethylamine (TMA) and isoprene compared to healthy subjects. Currently, there is not a validate and standardized method to detect VOCs. For this purpose, we examined the utility of selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) to measure VOCs in CKD patients and we evaluated the possible correlation between VOCs and the presence of CKD and its stage. We enrolled 68 CKD patients under conservative therapy and 54 healthy subjects. The analysis of the VOCs of the exhaled air of the enrolled subjects was performed by SIFT-MS. Among all the VOCs analyzed, the most relevant results by ROC curves were observed for TMA, acetone, ammonia and dimethyl sulfide. We found that a breath TMA concentration superior to 26 ppbv characterizes a 6.11 times greater risk of CKD, compared to subjects with lower levels. Moreover, we detected an increased concentration of acetone and ammonia in CKD patients compared to healthy subjects. We highlight the potential utility of SIFT-MS in CKD clinical management.

Clinical trial registry: R.S. 15.19 of 6 February 2019.

The Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Nutritional Status and Its Possible Relation with Oral Diseases

Several studies have demonstrated a strong relation between periodontal diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The main mechanisms at the base of this link are malnutrition, vitamin dysregulation, especially of B-group vitamins and of C and D vitamins, oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis and low-grade inflammation. In particular, in hemodialysis (HD) adult patients, an impairment of nutritional status has been observed, induced not only by the HD procedures themselves, but also due to numerous CKD-related comorbidities. The alteration of nutritional assessment induces systemic manifestations that have repercussions on oral health, like oral microbiota dysbiosis, slow healing of wounds related to hypovitaminosis C, and an alteration of the supporting bone structures of the oral cavity related to metabolic acidosis and vitamin D deficiency. Low-grade inflammation has been observed to characterize periodontal diseases locally and, in a systemic manner, CKD contributes to the amplification of the pathological process, bidirectionally. Therefore, CKD and oral disease patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary professional team that can evaluate the possible co-presence of these two pathological conditions, that negatively influence each other, and set up therapeutic strategies to treat them. Once these patients have been identified, they should be included in a follow-up program, characterized by periodic checks in order to manage these pathological conditions.

Effect of Online Home-Based Training on Functional Capacity and Strength in Two CKD Patients: A Case Study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical condition characterized by the loss of kidney function over time, as well as several complications affecting gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. Physical exercise seems to induce positive adaptations in CKD patients, without side effects. Usually, these patients show a reduced physical activity and physical performance. The aim of this case-report was to evaluate the effects of an online training protocol on functional capacity and on muscle mass, in CKD stage III patients. Methods: Two CKD (stage III according to KDIGO guidelines) participants (1 female, Patient A; 1 male, Patient B) were enrolled and they performed an online tailored-supervised combined training lasting 12 weeks, including multi-joint strength exercises using TheraBand and an aerobic session at 65–70% of the patients' heart rate reserve. Results: Both patients showed an improving trend on functional capacity (6 minutes walking test: Patient A = +3%; Patient B = +5.3%) and on strength of the upper arms (handgrip strength test-right: Patient A = +13.4%; Patient B = +19.1%; handgrip strength test-left: Patient A = +42.8%; Patient B= +12.9%), as well as a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers. The protocol was feasible, and no side effects were evidenced. These case studies suggest that the online combined training can produce beneficial effects in CKD patients under conservative therapy, by reducing the CKD-related complications and improving the adherence to exercise of this population of patients, overcoming logistic barriers such as transportation, availability of facilities, and working and personal-life schedule.

The Impact of Functional Bars and Adapted Physical Activity on Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a public health problem because it is characterized by several comorbidities, including uremic sarcopenia (US), and a poor quality of life. Currently, there are no standardized treatments available to counteract the onset of US but only some possible therapeutic approaches to slow its progression. The aim of this pilot study is to collect descriptive data in order to design a clinical trial based on the power analysis and simple size. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the possible beneficial action induced by the functional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bars in combination with the adapted physical activity (APA), on the onset and progression of US and other related-CKD comorbidities. We enrolled 21 CKD patients under conservative therapy, divided into four groups: (A) the physical exercise program (PEP), three times a week, in combination with the daily consumption of the two functional bars group; (B) the PEP group; (C) the daily consumption of the two functional bars group; (D) the control group. The duration of the study protocol was 12 weeks. We observed an improvement trend of body composition, blood pressure levels, lipid metabolism, and functional test in A and B groups. These preliminary data would seem to confirm the effectiveness of APA and to demonstrate the additive role of the natural bioactive compound’s assumption in countering US and other CKD comorbidities.

Effects of Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA) in COVID-19 Early Stages: A Case–Control Study

Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA), a compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, appears to be a potential adjuvant treatment for early stages of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In our study, we enrolled 90 patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 that were randomized into two groups, homogeneous for age, gender and BMI. The first group received oral supplementation based on um-PEA at a dose of 1800 mg/day for a total of 28 days; the second group was the control group (R.S. 73.20). At baseline (T0) and after 28 days of um-PEA treatment (T1), we monitored: routine laboratory parameters, inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers, lymphocytes subpopulation and COVID-19 serological response. At T1, the um-PEA-treated group presented a significant reduction in inflammation compared to the control group (CRP p = 0.007; IL-6 p = 0.0001; neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio p = 0.044). At T1, the controls showed a significant increase in OS compared to the treated group (FORT p = 0.05). At T1, the um-PEA group exhibited a significant decrease in D-dimer levels (p = 0.0001) and higher levels of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 (p = 0.0001) compared to the controls. Our data demonstrated, in a randomized clinical trial, the beneficial effects of um-PEA in both asymptomatic and mild-symptomatic patients related to reductions in inflammatory state, OS and coagulative cascade alterations.

Natural Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Oral Diseases in Nephropathic Patients

Among the chronic non-communicable degenerative diseases (CDNCDs), chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a global public health problem. Recent studies demonstrate a mutual cause–effect relationship between CKD and oral diseases, in which the presence of one induces the onset and faster progression of the other. In particular, the oral cavity alterations more frequent in CKD patients are: chronic periodontitis diseases, bone lesions, oral infections, and oral cancer lesions. Currently, a standardized therapy for the treatment of oral diseases is lacking. For this reason, natural bioactive compounds (NBCs), characterized by several health effects, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer actions, represent a new possible adjuvant therapy in the management of these pathological conditions. Among NBCs, polyphenols play a leading role due to positive modulation of oral microbiota, preventing and correcting oral dysbiosis. Moreover, these compounds exert anti-inflammatory effects, such as inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the expression of cycloxigenase-2. In this light, the formulation of a new mouthwash/gel/gingival paste, with a high content of polyphenols in association with NBCs characterized by antimicrobial action, could represent a future therapy of oral disease in CKD patients.

Impact of Physical Activity and Natural Bioactive Compounds on Endothelial Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a world-wide public health problem. Inflammation, endothelial dysfunction (ED) and vascular calcifications are clinical features of CKD patients that increase cardiovascular (CV) mortality. CKD-related CV disease pathogenic mechanisms are not only associated with traditional factors such as arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia, but also with ED, oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation. The typical comorbidities of CKD contribute to reduce the performance and the levels of the physical activity in nephropathic patients compared to healthy subjects. Currently, the effective role of physical activity on ED is still debated, but the available few literature data suggest its positive contribution. Another possible adjuvant treatment of ED in CKD patients is represented by natural bioactive compounds (NBCs). Among these, minor polar compounds of extra virgin olive oil (hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleocanthal), polyphenols, and vitamin D seem to exert a beneficial role on ED in CKD patients. The objective of the review is to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise protocols and/or NBCs on ED in CKD patients.

Nutritional Approaches for the Management of Metabolic Acidosis in Chronic Kidney Disease

Metabolic acidosis is a severe complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which is associated with nefarious impairments such as bone demineralization, muscle wasting, and hormonal alterations, for example, insulin resistance. Whilst it is possible to control this condition with alkali treatment, consisting in the oral administration of sodium citrate or sodium bicarbonate, this type of intervention is not free from side effects. On the contrary, opting for the implementation of a targeted dietetic-nutritional treatment for the control of CKD metabolic acidosis also comes with a range of additional benefits such as lipid profile control, increased vitamins, and antioxidants intake. In our review, we evaluated the main dietary-nutritional regimens useful to counteract metabolic acidosis, such as the Mediterranean diet, the alkaline diet, the low-protein diet, and the vegan low-protein diet, analyzing the potentialities and limits of every dietary-nutritional treatment. Literature data suggest that the Mediterranean and alkaline diets represent a valid nutritional approach in the prevention and correction of metabolic acidosis in CKD early stages, while the low-protein diet and the vegan low-protein diet are more effective in CKD advanced stages. In conclusion, we propose that tailored nutritional approaches should represent a valid therapeutic alternative to counteract metabolic acidosis.

Biomarkers of Glyco-Metabolic Control in Hemodialysis Patients: Glycated Hemoglobin vs. Glycated Albumin

Background and Objectives: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) dosage is considered the gold standard in glycol-metabolic monitoring, but it presents limits, which can underestimate the glycemia trend. In this regard, it was introduced the glycated albumin (GA). The aim of the study is to verify the predictivity of the GA compared to HbA1c in identifying glyco-metabolic alterations in non-diabetic and diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, we conducted a multicenter study involving one analysis laboratory and six dialysis centers in the Lazio region (Rome, Italy). Both diabetic and non-diabetic HD patients represent the study population, and the protocol included five time points. Results: The analyzed data highlighted the ability of GA to predict changes in glycemic metabolism in HD patients, and GA values are not significantly influenced, like HbA1c, by dialysis therapy itself and by comorbidities of the uremic state, such as normochromic and normocytic anemia. Thus, GA seems to reflect early glyco-metabolic alterations, both in patients with a previous diagnosis of diabetes and in subjects without diabetes mellitus. As part of this study, we analyzed two HD patients (one diabetic and one non-diabetic) in which GA was more predictive of glycol-metabolic alterations compared to HbA1c. Our study confirms the need to compare classical biomarkers used for the monitoring of glyco-metabolic alterations with new ones, likely more reliable and effective in specific subgroups of patients in which the classic biomarkers can be influenced by the preexisting pathological conditions. Conclusions: In conclusion, our evidence highlights that in uremic patients, GA shows a better ability to predict glyco-metabolic alterations allowing both an earlier diagnosis of DM and a prompt modulation of the hypoglycemic therapy, thus improving the clinical management of these patients.

Looking for Minor Phenolic Compounds in Extra Virgin Olive Oils Using Neutron and Raman Spectroscopies

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is defined as a functional food as it contains numerous phenolic components with well-recognized health-beneficial properties, such as high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. These characteristics depend on their structural/conformational behavior, which is largely determined by intra- and intermolecular H-bond interactions. While the vibrational dynamics of isolated compounds have been studied in a number of recent investigations, their signal in a real-life sample of EVOO is overwhelmed by the major constituent acids. Here, we provide a full characterization of the vibrational spectroscopic signal from commercially available EVOO samples using Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS) and Raman spectroscopies. The spectra are dominated by CH₂ vibrations, especially at about 750 cm⁻¹ and 1300 cm⁻¹. By comparison with the spectra from hydroxytyrosol and other minor phenolic compounds, we show that the best regions in which to look for the structure–activity information related to the minor polar compounds is at 675 and 1200 cm⁻¹ for hydroxytyrosol, and around 450 cm⁻¹ for all minor polar compounds used as reference, especially if a selectively deuterated sample is available. The regional origin of the EVOO samples investigated appears to be related to the different amount of phenolic esters versus acids as reflected by the relative intensities of the peaks at 1655 and 1747 cm⁻¹.

Usefulness of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Minor Polar Compounds in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common chronic non-communicable degenerative diseases and it represents an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The Mediterranean diet, in which extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the main source of vegetal fats, represents a nutritional-diet regimen that is useful for the treatment of CKD and its comorbidities. We tested two different EVOOs, characterized by a high (Synergy) and medium (Luxolio) content of minor polar compounds (MPCs), detected by HPLC-DAD-MS analysis, in 40 nephropathic patients, at a dose of 40 mL/day for 9 weeks. We evaluated the effects of these two EVOOs on renal function, body composition, oxidative stress, and inflammatory state, after 9 weeks of EVOOs consumption (T1) and after 2 months of wash-out (T2). We observed an improvement of renal function biomarkers (estimated-glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, azotemia, uric acid), lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein) and in body composition at T1. These healthy effects were greater and persisted over time after the wash-out period in Synergy patients. The high MPC EVOO content seems to exert an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in nephropathic patients and these protective actions are maintained over time.

Influence of Mediterranean Diet on Human Gut Microbiota

Gut microbiota changes correlate with health status. Literature data on gut microbiota show that all dietary changes can induce the alteration of gut microbiota composition. Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with a reduction of all-cause mortality and in this review, we analyzed its interactions with human microbiota. In particular, we explored the modulation of the human microbiota, in response to MD adherence, focusing the attention on polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ω-3 and fiber. Evidences suggest that MD is able to modulate the gut microbiota, increasing its diversity. In fact, a Mediterranean-type dietary pattern is associated with specific gut microbiota characteristics. The available evidence, suggests that gut microbiota of subjects that follow a MD is significantly different from subjects that follow a Western diet model. In fact, the latter show an increased gut permeability, which is responsible for metabolic endotoxemia. For this reason, we can speculate that the gut microbiota of the subjects following a MD is able to prevent the onset of chronic non-communicable degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer. However, in order to understand these correlations with dietary patterns, controlled intervention studies on the gut microbiota composition and activity are needed.

Association of Dietary Patterns with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), as originally defined by Jean Vague in 1940, was identified as a cluster of chronic, inflammatory pathologies, such as arterial hypertension, abdominal obesity, high glucose levels, high triglyceride levels and low HDL levels in the blood [...].

An Industrial and Sustainable Platform for the Production of Bioactive Micronized Powders and Extracts Enriched in Polyphenols From Olea europaea L. and Vitis vinifera L. Wastes

In the last few years, literature data have reported that health status is related to the consumption of foods rich in polyphenols, bioactive compounds found in the plant world, in particular in vegetables and fruit. These pieces of scientific evidence have led to an increase in the demand for functional foods and drinks enriched in polyphenols, so that plant materials are more and more requested. The availability of food and agricultural wastes has adverse effects on the economy, environment, and human health. On the other hand, these materials are a precious source of bioactive compounds as polyphenols. Their recovery and reuse from wastes are according to the circular economy strategy, which has introduced the “zero waste concept.” However, the process is convenient from an economic and environmental point of view only if the final products are standardized and obtained using sustainable and industrial technologies. In this panorama, this paper describes an industrial and sustainable platform for the production of micronized powders and extracts enriched in polyphenols from Olea europaea L. and Vitis vinifera L. wastes that are useful for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals sectors. The platform is based on drying plant materials, extraction of polyphenols through membrane technologies with water, and, when necessary, the concentration of the final fractions under vacuum evaporation. All powders and extracts were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector–mass spectrometry analysis to define the qualitative and quantitative content of bioactive compounds and insure their standardization and reproducibility. The chromatographic profiles evidenced the presence of secoiridoids, flavones, flavonols, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, catechins, and condensed tannins. An overview of the biological activities of the main polyphenols present in Olea europaea L. and Vitis vinifera L. powders and extracts is reported because of biomedical applications.

Risk of Kidney Stones: Influence of Dietary Factors, Dietary Patterns, and Vegetarian-Vegan Diets

Nephrolithiasis is a common medical condition influenced by multiple environmental factors, including diet. Since nutritional habits play a relevant role in the genesis and recurrence of kidney stones disease, dietary manipulation has become a fundamental tool for the medical management of nephrolithiasis. Dietary advice aims to reduce the majority of lithogenic risk factors, reducing the supersaturation of urine, mainly for calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid. For this purpose, current guidelines recommend increasing fluid intake, maintaining a balanced calcium intake, reducing dietary intake of sodium and animal proteins, and increasing intake of fruits and fibers. In this review, we analyzed the effects of each dietary factor on nephrolithiasis incidence and recurrence rate. Available scientific evidence agrees on the harmful effects of high meat/animal protein intake and low calcium diets, whereas high content of fruits and vegetables associated with a balanced intake of low-fat dairy products carries the lowest risk for incident kidney stones. Furthermore, a balanced vegetarian diet with dairy products seems to be the most protective diet for kidney stone patients. Since no study prospectively examined the effects of vegan diets on nephrolithiasis risk factors, more scientific work should be made to define the best diet for different kidney stone phenotypes.

Oleuropein, a Bioactive Compound from Olea europaea L., as a Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Agent in Non-Communicable Diseases

Growing scientific literature data suggest that the intake of natural bioactive compounds plays a critical role in preventing or reducing the occurrence of human chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Oleuropein, the main phenolic component of Olea europaea L., has attracted scientific attention for its several health beneficial properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardio- and neuro-protective, and anti-cancer. This article is a narrative review focused on the current literature concerning the effect of oleuropein in NCDs, such as neuro- and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney diseases, and cancer, by its putative antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but also for its other peculiar actions such as an autophagy inducer and amyloid fibril growth inhibitor and, finally, for its anti-cancer effect. Despite the increasing number of published studies, looking at the beneficial effects of oleuropein, there is limited clinical evidence focused on the benefits of this polyphenol as a nutraceutical product in humans, and many problems are still to be resolved about its bioavailability, bioaccessibility, and dosage. Thus, future clinical randomized trials are needed to establish the relation between the beneficial effects and the mechanisms of action occurring in the human body in response to the intake of oleuropein.

A cluster-randomized crossover trial of organic diet impact on biomarkers of exposure to pesticides and biomarkers of oxidative stress/inflammation in primary school children

Despite suggestive observational epidemiology and laboratory studies, there is limited experimental evidence regarding the effect of organic diet on human health. A cluster-randomized 40-day-organic (vs. 40-day-conventional) crossover trial was conducted among children (11–12 years old) from six schools in Cyprus. One restaurant provided all organic meals, and adherence to the organic diet intervention was measured by parent-provided diet questionnaire/diary data. Biomarkers of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid pesticide exposures were measured using tandem mass spectrometry, and oxidative stress/inflammation (OSI) biomarkers using immunoassays or spectrophotometry. Associations were assessed using mixed-effect regression models including interactions of treatment with time. Seventy-two percent of neonicotinoid biomarkers were non-detectable and modeled as binary (whether detectable). In post-hoc analysis, we considered the outcome of age-and-sex-standardized BMI. Multiple comparisons were handled using Benjamini-Hochberg correction for 58 regression parameters. Outcome data were available for 149 children. Children had lower pesticide exposures during the organic period (pyrethroid geometric mean ratio, GMR = 0.297; [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.237, 0.373], Q-value<0.05); odds for detection of neonicotinoids (OR = 0.651; [95% CI: 0.463, 0.917), Q-value<0.05); and decreased OSI biomarker 8-OHdG (GMR = 0.888; [95% CI: 0.808, 0.976], Q-value<0.05). An initial increase was followed by a countervailing decrease over time in the organic period for OSI biomarkers 8-iso-PGF2a and MDA. BMI z-scores were lower at the end of the organic period (β = -0.131; [95% CI: 0.179, -0.920], Q-value<0.05). Energy intake during the conventional period was reported to be higher than the recommended reference levels. The organic diet intervention reduced children’s exposure to pyrethroid and neonicotinoid pesticides and, over time lowered biomarkers of oxidative stress/inflammation (8-iso-PGF2a, 8-OHdG and MDA). The several-week organic diet intervention also reduced children’s age-and-sex-standardized BMI z-scores, but causal inferences regarding organic diet’s physiological benefits are limited by the confounding of the organic diet intervention with caloric intake reduction and possible lifestyle changes during the trial.

Trial registration: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number: NCT02998203.

Health Effects of Phenolic Compounds Found in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, By-Products, and Leaf of Olea europaea L

Olea europaea L. fruit is a peculiar vegetal matrix containing high levels of fatty acids (98–99% of the total weight of extra-virgin olive oil, EVOO) and low quantities (1–2%) of phenolics, phytosterols, tocopherols, and squalene. Among these minor components, phenolics are relevant molecules for human health. This review is focused on their beneficial activity, in particular of hydroxytyrosol (HT), oleuropein (OLE), oleocanthal (OLC), and lignans found in EVOO, olive oil by-products and leaves. Specifically, the cardioprotective properties of the Mediterranean diet (MD) related to olive oil consumption, and the biological activities of polyphenols recovered from olive oil by-products and leaves were described. Recent European projects such as EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) and EPICOR (long-term follow-up of antithrombotic management patterns in acute coronary syndrome patients) have demonstrated the functional and preventive activities of EVOO showing the relation both between cancer and nutrition and between consumption of EVOO, vegetables, and fruit and the incidence of coronary heart disease. The data reported in this review demonstrate that EVOO, one of the pillars of the MD, is the main product of Olea europaea L. fruits; leaves and by-products are secondary but precious products from which bioactive compounds can be recovered by green technologies and reused for food, agronomic, nutraceutical, and biomedical applications according to the circular economy strategy.

Impact of Gut Microbiota Composition on Onset and Progression of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases

In recent years, mounting scientific evidence has emerged regarding the evaluation of the putative correlation between the gut microbiota composition and the presence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and arterial hypertension. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the current literature with respect to the relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and the insurgence/progression of chronic NCDs, analyzing the physiopathological mechanisms that can induce microbiota modification in the course of these pathologies, and the possible effect induced by microbiota alteration upon disease onset. Therapy based on probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplant can represent a useful therapeutic tool, as has been highlighted on animal studies. To this moment, clinical studies that intended to demonstrate the beneficial effect induced by this kind of oral supplementation on the gut microbiota composition, and subsequent amelioration of signs and symptoms of chronic NCDs have been conducted on limited sample populations for a limited follow-up period. Therefore, to fully evaluate the therapeutic value of this kind of intervention, it would be ideal to design ample population; randomized clinical trials with a lengthy follow up period.

Analysis of genetic polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in a large ethnic Hakka population in southern China

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes conversion of methylene tetrahydrofolate to methylte trahydrofolate. MTHFR C677T polymorphism has been regarded as a risk factor for various vascular diseases. Our study aimed to investigate the distribution frequencies of this polymorphism among Hakka population living in southern China. We retrospectively recruited 5102 unrelated Chinese Hakka subjects. MTHFR C677T polymorphism was tested using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. A total of 2358 males and 2744 females (aged from 10 years to 101 years) were included in this study. In total, 2835 (55.63%) subjects were homozygous for the C allele (CC), 1939 (38.00%) subjects were heterozygous (CT), and 325 (6.37%) subjects were homozygous for the T allele (TT). The allelic frequency of mutant T was 25.37% with 325 individual homozygous for this defective allele resulting in a frequency of about 6.37% for the TT genotype. According to the study results, the overall frequency of MTHFR C677T genotypes did not differ significantly among the gender and age groups. Our study showed the prevalence of MTHFR C677T polymorphism in a large ethnic Hakka population living in southern China. It would be important implications for the primary prevention of various vascular diseases.

Dietary Metabolites and Chronic Kidney Disease

Dietary contents and their metabolites are closely related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Advanced glycated end products (AGEs) are a type of uremic toxin produced by glycation. AGE accumulation is not only the result of elevated glucose levels or reduced renal clearance capacity, but it also promotes CKD progression. Indoxyl sulfate, another uremic toxin derived from amino acid metabolism, accumulates as CKD progresses and induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerular sclerosis. Specific types of amino acids (d-serine) or fatty acids (palmitate) are reported to be closely associated with CKD progression. Promising therapeutic targets associated with nutrition include uremic toxin absorbents and inhibitors of AGEs or the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Probiotics and prebiotics maintain gut flora balance and also prevent CKD progression by enhancing gut barriers and reducing uremic toxin formation. Nrf2 signaling not only ameliorates oxidative stress but also reduces elevated AGE levels. Bardoxolone methyl, an Nrf2 activator and NF-κB suppressor, has been tested as a therapeutic agent, but the phase 3 clinical trial was terminated owing to the high rate of cardiovascular events. However, a phase 2 trial has been initiated in Japan, and the preliminary analysis reveals promising results without an increase in cardiovascular events.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome occurrence: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Diet plays a role in the onset and progression of metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to systematically review and conduct a quantitative meta-analysis of results from observational cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies on adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and risk of MetS. Literature databases including PubMed, SCOPUS and EMBASE were searched from the beginning to May 2016. Eight cross-sectional and four prospective studies were included in this meta-analysis, accounting for a total of 33,847 individuals and 6342 cases of MetS. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a risk of MetS (RR: 0.81, 95%CI: 0.71, 0.92). Regarding individual components of the MetS, the inverse associations were significant for waist circumference, blood pressure and low HDL-C levels. In conclusion, adoption of a Mediterranean dietary pattern was associated with lower risk of the MetS and it can be proposed for the primary prevention of the MetS.

Impact of Mediterranean diet on metabolic syndrome, cancer and longevity

Obesity symbolizes a major public health problem. Overweight and obesity are associated to the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome and to adipose tissue dysfunction. The adipose tissue is metabolically active and an endocrine organ, whose dysregulation causes a low-grade inflammatory state and ectopic fat depositions. The Mediterranean Diet represents a possible therapy for metabolic syndrome, preventing adiposopathy or "sick fat" formation.The Mediterranean Diet exerts protective effects in elderly subjects with and without baseline of chronic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between cancer and obesity. In the US, diet represents amount 30-35% of death causes related to cancer. Currently, the cancer is the second cause of death after cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Furthermore, populations living in the Mediterranean area have a decreased incidence of cancer compared with populations living in Northern Europe or the US, likely due to healthier dietary habits. The bioactive food components have a potential preventive action on cancer. The aims of this review are to evaluate the impact of Mediterranean Diet on onset, progression and regression of metabolic syndrome, cancer and on longevity.

Hydroxytyrosol decreases the oxidative and nitrosative stress levels and promotes angiogenesis through HIF-1 independent mechanisms in renal hypoxic cells

In the kidney, tissue oxygen tension is comparatively low and this renders this organ more prone to hypoxic injury. In fact, hypoxia has a central role in the development and progression of renal disease. The recovery from this situation is dependent on the degree to which sublethally damaged cells restore normal function. The master regulator of the hypoxic response is hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). HIF-1 activity depends on the HIF-1α subunit level which is regulated by oxygen, nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species and mTOR. Given the antioxidant and antinitrosative properties ascribed to hydroxytyrosol (HT), this study evaluates the impact of this olive oil polyphenol on the response to hypoxia in kidney cells. For this purpose, the human embryonic kidney HEK293T cell line was treated with HT and cultured under sublethal hypoxic conditions. Our results demonstrate that HT treatment decreases both, post-hypoxic reactive oxygen species and NO levels and, consequently, HIF-1α accumulation. However, HT does not affect mTOR activation or the factor inhibiting HIF level but promotes the expression of angiogenic proteins, suggesting that HT activates an adaptive response to hypoxia in a HIF-1α-independent pathway. In fact, this effect could be ascribed to the up-regulation of estrogen-related receptor α. In conclusion, our results suggest that in renal hypoxia, HT treatment might act as an effective preventive therapeutic approach to decrease stress and to improve the adaptive response to this pathological situation.

Advances in Integrating Traditional and Omic Biomarkers When Analyzing the Effects of the Mediterranean Diet Intervention in Cardiovascular Prevention

Intervention with Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has provided a high level of evidence in primary prevention of cardiovascular events. Besides enhancing protection from classical risk factors, an improvement has also been described in a number of non-classical ones. Benefits have been reported on biomarkers of oxidation, inflammation, cellular adhesion, adipokine production, and pro-thrombotic state. Although the benefits of the MedDiet have been attributed to its richness in antioxidants, the mechanisms by which it exercises its beneficial effects are not well known. It is thought that the integration of omics including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics, into studies analyzing nutrition and cardiovascular diseases will provide new clues regarding these mechanisms. However, omics integration is still in its infancy. Currently, some single-omics analyses have provided valuable data, mostly in the field of genomics. Thus, several gene-diet interactions in determining both intermediate (plasma lipids, etc.) and final cardiovascular phenotypes (stroke, myocardial infarction, etc.) have been reported. However, few studies have analyzed changes in gene expression and, moreover very few have focused on epigenomic or metabolomic biomarkers related to the MedDiet. Nevertheless, these preliminary results can help to better understand the inter-individual differences in cardiovascular risk and dietary response for further applications in personalized nutrition.

Low protein diets in patients with chronic kidney disease: a bridge between mainstream and complementary-alternative medicines?

Dietary therapy represents an important tool in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD), mainly through a balanced reduction of protein intake aimed at giving the remnant nephrons in damaged kidneys a "functional rest". While dialysis, transplantation, and pharmacological therapies are usually seen as "high tech" medicine, non pharmacological interventions, including diets, are frequently considered lifestyle-complementary treatments. Diet is one of the oldest CKD treatments, and it is usually considered a part of "mainstream" management. In this narrative review we discuss how the lessons of complementary alternative medicines (CAMs) can be useful for the implementation and study of low-protein diets in CKD. While high tech medicine is mainly prescriptive, prescribing a "good" life-style change is usually not enough and comprehensive counselling is required; the empathic educational approach, on which CAMs are mainly, though not exclusively based, may support a successful personalized nutritional intervention.There is no gold-standard, low-protein diet for all CKD patients: from among a relatively vast choice, the best compliance is probably obtained by personalization. This approach interferes with the traditional RCT-based analyses which are grounded upon an assumption of equal preference of treatments (ideally blinded). Whole system approaches and narrative medicine, that are widely used in the study of CAMs, may offer ways to integrate EBM and personalised medicine in the search for innovative solutions respecting individualization, but gaining sound data, such as with partially-randomised patient preference trials.