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Landaverde-Mejia K, Dufoo-Hurtado E, Camacho-Vega D, Maldonado-Celis ME, Mendoza-Diaz S, Campos-Vega R. Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) consumption improves cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults: A pilot study. Food Chem 2024; 457:140211. [PMID: 38943918 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
This pilot study evaluated the impact of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults. Pistachios were characterized (chemical and nutraceutical), and a baseline-final, uncontrolled nutritional intervention was performed (28 g of pistachio/28 days). Psychometric tests were applied to estimate cognitive performance and mood; anthropometric evaluation, biochemical analysis, and plasma antioxidant activity were included. The main component of nuts was lipids (48.1%). Pistachios consumption significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced waist circumference (-1.47 cm), total cholesterol (-10.21 mg/dL), LDL (-6.57 mg/dL), and triglycerides (-21.07 mg/dL), and increased plasma antioxidant activity. Pistachio supplementation improved risk tolerance (p ≤ 0.006) and decision-making strategy (p ≤ 0.002; BART-task), executive functions (BCST-task; p ≤ 0.006), and selective and sustained attention (Go/No-Go-test; p ≤ 0.016). The mood state was positively modulated (p ≤ 0.05) for anxiety, anger-hostility, and sadness-depression. These results show for the first time the benefits of pistachio consumption on cognitive performance and mood in overweight young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Landaverde-Mejia
- Postgraduate Program in Food of the Center of the Republic (PROPAC), Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Elisa Dufoo-Hurtado
- Postgraduate Program in Food of the Center of the Republic (PROPAC), Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Diego Camacho-Vega
- Department of Medicine and Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Tijuana, Mexico.
| | | | - Sandra Mendoza-Diaz
- Postgraduate Program in Food of the Center of the Republic (PROPAC), Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico.
| | - Rocio Campos-Vega
- Postgraduate Program in Food of the Center of the Republic (PROPAC), Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico.
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Abbattista R, Feinberg NG, Snodgrass IF, Newman JW, Dandekar AM. Unveiling the "hidden quality" of the walnut pellicle: a precious source of bioactive lipids. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1395543. [PMID: 38957599 PMCID: PMC11217525 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1395543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Tree nut consumption has been widely associated with various health benefits, with walnuts, in particular, being linked with improved cardiovascular and neurological health. These benefits have been attributed to walnuts' vast array of phenolic antioxidants and abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, recent studies have revealed unexpected clinical outcomes related to walnut consumption, which cannot be explained simply with the aforementioned molecular hallmarks. With the goal of discovering potential molecular sources of these unexplained clinical outcomes, an exploratory untargeted metabolomics analysis of the isolated walnut pellicle was conducted. This analysis revealed a myriad of unusual lipids, including oxylipins and endocannabinoids. These lipid classes, which are likely present in the pellicle to enhance the seeds' defenses due to their antimicrobial properties, also have known potent bioactivities as mammalian signaling molecules and homeostatic regulators. Given the potential value of this tissue for human health, with respect to its "bioactive" lipid fraction, we sought to quantify the amounts of these compounds in pellicle-enriched waste by-products of mechanized walnut processing in California. An impressive repertoire of these compounds was revealed in these matrices, and in notably significant concentrations. This discovery establishes these low-value agriculture wastes promising candidates for valorization and translation into high-value, health-promoting products; as these molecules represent a potential explanation for the unexpected clinical outcomes of walnut consumption. This "hidden quality" of the walnut pellicle may encourage further consumption of walnuts, and walnut industries may benefit from a revaluation of abundant pellicle-enriched waste streams, leading to increased sustainability and profitability through waste upcycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Abbattista
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Noah G. Feinberg
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Isabel F. Snodgrass
- West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - John W. Newman
- Western Human Nutrition Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Davis, CA, United States
- West Coast Metabolomics Center, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Abhaya M. Dandekar
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Kamoun A, Yahia A, Farjallah MA, Maaloul R, Marzougui H, Bouaziz M, Souissi N, Elleuch MH, Hammouda O. Concurrent training associated with moderate walnut consumption improved isokinetic strength, subjective sleep quality, cognitive performance and postural balance in elderly active men: a randomized controlled trial. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:50. [PMID: 38421528 PMCID: PMC10904559 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the effects of concurrent training (resistance and endurance) associated with moderate walnut consumption on isokinetic strength, subjective sleep quality, cognitive performance and postural balance in physically active elderly men. METHODS Twenty healthy elderly men were divided into two matched groups, in a randomized controlled experiment. They have participated in three training sessions per week: concurrent (strength and endurance) training + ad libitum diet with walnuts (15 g/day for 6 weeks, CTW: n = 10) and concurrent training + ad libitum diet (CT: n = 10). Isokinetic strength, Spiegel questionnaire, Montreal cognitive assessment and postural balance parameters were assessed 48 h pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS Absolute peak torque of knee extensors and knee flexors significantly increased compared to pre-training in CTW (15.2% ± 6.7; 13.2% ± 2.3, p < 0.05, respectively) and CT (10.6% ± 6.8; 7.4% ± 2.9, p < 0.05, respectively). Subjective sleep quality increased compared to pre-training for CTW and CT (24% ± 14.4; 10.5% ± 9.4, p < 0.05, respectively) with a significantly greater increase in CTW (p < 0.05). Cognitive performance measured by Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) increased only in CTW compared to baseline (7.7% ± 2.5, p < 0.05). Postural balance parameters with dual task decreased only in CTW compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS The present study clearly revealed that concurrent training alone or associated with daily walnut (15 g) consumption for 6 weeks significantly increased knee isokinetic strength, support leg standing parameters and sleep quality. Meanwhile, cognitive performance evaluated by MoCA test and postural balance with dual task were improved for CTW group only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Kamoun
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory of Evaluation and Management of Musculoskeletal System Pathologies, University of Sfax, LR20ES09, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Abdelmonem Yahia
- Research Laboratory of Evaluation and Management of Musculoskeletal System Pathologies, University of Sfax, LR20ES09, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Amine Farjallah
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Hypoxie et Poumon, H&P, INSERM, UMR 1272, Bobigny, F-93000, France
- Département STAPS, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Rami Maaloul
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Houssem Marzougui
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Bouaziz
- Laboratoire d'Electrochimie Et Environnement, ENIS, Université de Sfax, LR14ES08, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Nizar Souissi
- Research Unit: Physical Activity, Sport, and Health, UR18JS01, National Observatory of Sport, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Habib Elleuch
- Research Laboratory of Evaluation and Management of Musculoskeletal System Pathologies, University of Sfax, LR20ES09, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Omar Hammouda
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Neurosciences, Physiology and Psychology: Physical Activity, Health and Learning (LINP2), UFR STAPS, UPL, 200 Avenue de la République, 92000, Nanterre, France.
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Godos J, Micek A, Mena P, Del Rio D, Galvano F, Castellano S, Grosso G. Dietary (Poly)phenols and Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300472. [PMID: 37888840 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
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. A total of 37 studies are included in the systematic review. Among (poly)phenols, a higher intake of flavonoids is associated with better cognitive function and lower odds of cognitive decline (although with some exceptions). A quantitative meta-analysis shows an overall inverse association with cognitive impairment and reduced association with the incidence of dementia or related disorders for total flavonoids (relative risk (RR) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76, 0.89), anthocyanins (RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.89), flavones (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.94), flavan-3-ols (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.91), and flavonols (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.96). Data on other (poly)phenolic compounds (i.e., phenolic acids) are promising but too preliminary. CONCLUSION Habitual inclusion of flavonoids in the diet may play a preventive role against cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Micek
- Statistical Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, 31-501, Poland
| | - Pedro Mena
- Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, 43125, Italy
| | - Daniele Del Rio
- Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, 43125, Italy
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95124, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grosso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, 95123, Italy
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Zhang L, Bai YY, Hong ZS, Xie J, Tian Y. Isolation, Identification, Activity Evaluation, and Mechanism of Action of Neuroprotective Peptides from Walnuts: A Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4085. [PMID: 37764868 PMCID: PMC10534798 DOI: 10.3390/nu15184085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As human life expectancy increases, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases in older adults has increased in parallel. Walnuts contain bioactive peptides with demonstrated neuroprotective effects, making them a valuable addition to the diet. We here present a comprehensive review of the various methods used to prepare, isolate, purify, and identify the neuroprotective peptides found in walnuts. We further summarise the different approaches currently used to evaluate the activity of these peptides in experimental settings, highlighting their potential to reduce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and promote autophagy, as well as to regulate the gut microflora and balance the cholinergic system. Finally, we offer suggestions for future research concerning bioavailability and improving or masking the bitter taste and sensory properties of final products containing the identified walnut neuroprotective peptides to ensure successful adoption of these peptides as functional food ingredients for neurohealth promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (L.Z.)
- Engineering Research Center of Development and Utilization of Food and Drug Homologous Resources, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Personalized Food Manufacturing, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yu-Ying Bai
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (L.Z.)
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Personalized Food Manufacturing, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Zi-Shan Hong
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (L.Z.)
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Edible and Medicinal Homologous Functional Food, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Jing Xie
- College of Food Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (L.Z.)
- Engineering Research Center of Development and Utilization of Food and Drug Homologous Resources, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Personalized Food Manufacturing, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yang Tian
- Engineering Research Center of Development and Utilization of Food and Drug Homologous Resources, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Personalized Food Manufacturing, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Edible and Medicinal Homologous Functional Food, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
- School of Tea and Coffee, Puer University, Puer 665000, China
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Xiao H, Zhang S, Xi F, Yang W, Zhou L, Zhang G, Zhu H, Zhang Q. Preservation effect of plasma-activated water (PAW) treatment on fresh walnut kernels. INNOV FOOD SCI EMERG 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ifset.2023.103304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
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7
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Jia X, Su C, Du W, Zhang X, Wang L, Huang F, Bai J, Wei Y, Wang Z, Zhang B, Wang H. Association of Dietary Quality with Cognitive Function in Chinese Adults Aged 55 Years and Above: A Longitudinal Study. J Nutr Health Aging 2023; 27:514-523. [PMID: 37498099 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-023-1941-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diet is an important modifiable factor for brain health and aging. Present study aimed to explore association of dietary quality with cognitive function and poor cognition in middle-aged and older adults participating in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). DESIGN A longitudinal study with a twenty-year follow-up. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Data were drawn from the CHNS 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2015 and 2018. Subjects aged 55 years and more who participated in at least two waves and had completed data on socio-demographics, lifestyle, disease history, anthropometrics, dietary measure and cognitive assessment were eligible in present study. METHODS Baseline diet were assessed by 3-day 24-hour dietary recalls and used to evaluate diet quality via China Elderly Dietary Guidelines Index 2022 (CDGI 2022-E). Cognitive function was examined using part items of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified. Three-level linear mixed effects models and three-level mixed effects logistic regression models were performed to estimate the association between diet quality and cognitive function and odds of poor cognition, respectively. RESULTS At baseline, 4173 subjects with median age of 63.7 years were recruited. Median of CDGI 2022-E total score was 44.7. Median score of global cognition was 16.0, and the proportion of people with poor cognitive function was 13.9%. Difference in global cognitive score was observed by tertiles of CDGI 2022-E (p<0.05). Significant associations of high diet quality with increment in global cognitive score [β (95%CI): 0.704 (0.394~1.015)], composite cognitive z score [0.086 (0.045~0.128)] and standardized verbal memory score [0.221 (0.122~0.320)] were observed in total subjects. Consistent associations were also found in those below 65 years at baseline. The likelihood of poor cognition in the highest tertile of CDGI 2022-E decreased by 18% (95%CI: 0.698~0.965) relative to the lowest tertile group in total population. CONCLUSIONS High diet quality may be beneficial for improving cognitive function and delaying cognitive decline in Chinese middle-aged and older population.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Jia
- Wang Huijun, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention/Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100050, China, Tel: +86-010-66237089;
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Zhang QQ, Shi J, Shen PY, Xi F, Qian CY, Zhang GH, Zhu HJ, Xiao HM. Exploring the Efficacy of Biocontrol Microbes against the Fungal Pathogen Botryosphaeria dothidea JNHT01 Isolated from Fresh Walnut Fruit. Foods 2022; 11:foods11223651. [PMID: 36429242 PMCID: PMC9689359 DOI: 10.3390/foods11223651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological control by antagonistic microorganisms are an effective and environmentally friendly approach in postharvest disease management. In order to develop a biocontrol agent for fresh walnut fruit preservation, the potential biocontrol effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RD.006 and Hanseniaspora uvarum FA.006 against the main fungal pathogen of walnuts were evaluated. Botryosphaeria species showed the highest detection, and the JNHT01 strain showed the strongest pathogenicity. Bot. dothidea JNHT01 caused gray mold and brown rot on fresh walnuts, and its incidence rate reached 100% after an 8 days incubation. The growth of this fungal strain can be promoted by lighting, with a maximum growth rate achieved at a pH of 7 and at 28 °C. B. amyloliquefaciens RD.006 and H. uvarum FA.006 supernatants at a concentration of 1-15% v/v showed antifungal activity. The mycelial growth inhibition rates of Bot. dothidea JNHT01 were 23.67-82.61% for B. amyloliquefaciens RD.006 and 1.45-21.74% for H. uvarum FA.006. During Bot. dothidea JNHT01 growth, the biomass, nucleic acid leakage, and malondialdehyde content gradually increased, while the DPPH scavenging capacity and SOD activity decreased. The B. amyloliquefaciens RD.006 and H. uvarum FA.006 strains showed antifungal activity by damaging fungal cell membranes and reducing fungal antioxidant activity. Moreover, the antifungal effect of B. amyloliquefaciens RD.006 was higher than that of H. uvarum FA.006. Hence, the RD.006 strain of B. amyloliquefaciens can be considered a potential biocontrol agent for the management of postharvest walnut diseases caused by Bot. dothidea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Qin Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China (H.M.X.)
| | - Jie Shi
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China (H.M.X.)
| | - Pei Yao Shen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China (H.M.X.)
| | - Fei Xi
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China (H.M.X.)
| | - Cheng Yu Qian
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China (H.M.X.)
| | - Guo Hua Zhang
- Shandong Wukangxuan Modern Agriculture and Forestry Development Co., Ltd., Zoucheng 273519, China
| | - Hai Jun Zhu
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Hong Mei Xiao
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China (H.M.X.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-02584395618
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Alshahrani SM, Mashat RM, Almutairi D, Mathkour A, Alqahtani SS, Alasmari A, Alzahrani AH, Ayed R, Asiri MY, Elsherif A, Alsabaani A. The Effect of Walnut Intake on Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14214460. [PMID: 36364723 PMCID: PMC9655834 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Dyslipidemia is a cardiometabolic risk factor of CVD, yet it can be modifiable. Walnuts have been suggested as a dietary intervention to improve the lipid profile. Therefore, we reviewed the literature to assess the evidence linking walnut intake to the improvement of blood lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG). PubMed and Embase databases were searched from 2010 up to March 2022. We limited our search to randomized controlled trials conducted on humans and published in English during the specified period. Cochrane's risk of bias tool for interventional studies was used. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis, and weighted mean differences were obtained (WMD) Thirteen trials from the U.S., Europe, and Asia were included. Walnut intake was associated with significant reductions in TC (WMD: -8.58 mg/dL), LDL-C (WMD: -5.68 mg/dL), and TG (WMD: -10.94 mg/dL). Walnut consumption was not associated with HDL-C. Subgroup analysis showed that overweight/obese and those with comorbidities had more lipid improvement. A longer trial duration did result in further improvements. However, our results may be prone to bias due to extraneous confounding factors. Additionally, levels of heterogeneity were considerable for some outcomes of interest. Results from this meta-analysis provide evidence for the health benefits of walnuts on blood lipids. Walnuts possibly reduce the risk of CVD; thus, they can be successfully added to a dietary pattern to enhance health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Mastour Alshahrani
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Khamis Mushait 62529, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-241-7005
| | - Reham M. Mashat
- Nutrition and Food Sciences, College of Home Economics, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Diaa Almutairi
- Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran 34247, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sahar Saad Alqahtani
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Khamis Mushait 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Reem Ayed
- Public Health Authority, Riyadh 13351, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Alsanussi Elsherif
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi, Benghazi 1308, Libya
| | - Abdullah Alsabaani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
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Tan B, Wang Y, Zhang X, Sun X. Recent Studies on Protective Effects of Walnuts against Neuroinflammation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204360. [PMID: 36297047 PMCID: PMC9609811 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays a significant role in the aging process and the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Accordingly, possible therapeutic strategies aimed at anti-inflammatory effects may be beneficial to brain health. Walnut kernels contain large quantities of unsaturated fatty acids, peptides, and phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. The long-term intake of walnuts has been found to improve cognitive function and memory in rats and humans. However, the modulatory effect of walnuts on neuroinflammation has received much less attention. This review focuses on the potential influence and main regulating mechanisms of walnuts and their active ingredients on neuroinflammation, including the regulation of microglia activation induced by amyloid β or lipopolysaccharides, inhibition of peripheral inflammation mediated by macrophages, reduction in oxidative stress by decreasing free radical levels and boosting antioxidant defenses, and control of gut microbes to maintain homeostasis. However, the majority of evidence of the beneficial effects of walnuts or their components on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration comes from experimental work, whereas evidence from clinical studies on the beneficial effects is scarcer and less conclusive. This review aims to provide new insights into the neuroinflammation-regulating mechanisms and natural active ingredients of walnuts and the development of walnut-based functional foods for the alleviation of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Tan
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xiangjun Sun
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Correspondence:
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Lockyer S, de la Hunty AE, Steenson S, Spiro A, Stanner SA. Walnut consumption and health outcomes with public health relevance-a systematic review of cohort studies and randomized controlled trials published from 2017 to present. Nutr Rev 2022; 81:26-54. [PMID: 35912883 PMCID: PMC9732668 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Considering the accumulation of recent studies investigating the health effects of walnut consumption, both including and beyond cardiovascular health effects, a systematic review of this literature to investigate the strength of the evidence is warranted. OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between walnut consumption and outcomes with public health relevance (specifically all-cause mortality, type 2 diabetes, CVD, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cancer, neurological and mental health, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and maternal disorders) and the effect on associated disease risk markers, reported in studies published from 2017 to present. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, FSTA, CENTRAL, and Scopus were searched from 1 January 2017 to 5 May 2021. DATA EXTRACTION Human studies (cohort studies and RCTs) ≥3 weeks in duration comparing consumption of walnuts (whole, pieces, or 100% butter) to a control and measuring associations with relevant public health outcomes and disease risk markers were assessed. Key study characteristics were extracted independently by 2 investigators using a standardized table. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. DATA ANALYSIS Only 1 RCT was considered to be at low risk of bias for any of its outcomes. The cohort studies were considered to be of moderate or high quality. The results were synthesized using vote counting, based on the direction of effect. Thirty-three articles, 23 describing RCTs (walnut dose ∼10-99 g/day, 1,948 subjects) and 10 describing cohort studies (∼675,928 subjects), were included. Vote counting could be performed for the blood lipids, cardiovascular function, inflammation- and hemostatic-related factors, markers of glucose metabolism, and body weight and composition outcome groupings. The results are presented in effect direction plots. With respect to blood lipids, results from 8/8 RCTs favoured walnuts, in accordance with associations with a reduced risk of CVD suggested by cohort studies; results from 6/6 RCTs favoured control with respect to body weight and composition, although most of these effects were small. This was contrary to cohort study results suggesting small benefits of walnut consumption on body weight. There was no overall consistent direction of effect for cardiovascular function, markers of glucose metabolism, or inflammation- and hemostatic-related factors. CONCLUSIONS Evidence published since 2017 is consistent with previous research suggesting that walnut consumption improves lipid profiles and is associated with reduced CVD risk. Evidence is accumulating in other areas, such as cognitive health, although more research is needed to draw firm conclusions. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD4202122.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Lockyer
- S. Lockyer, British Nutrition Foundation, New Derwent House, 69–73 Theobalds Road, London WC1X 8TA, UK. E-mail:
| | | | - Simon Steenson
- are employed by the British Nutrition Foundation, London, UK
| | - Ayela Spiro
- are employed by the British Nutrition Foundation, London, UK
| | - Sara A Stanner
- are employed by the British Nutrition Foundation, London, UK
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Mateș L, Popa DS, Rusu ME, Fizeșan I, Leucuța D. Walnut Intake Interventions Targeting Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome and Inflammation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071412. [PMID: 35883903 PMCID: PMC9312161 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers of metabolic syndrome and inflammation are pathophysiological predictors and factors of senescence and age-related diseases. Recent evidence showed that particular diet components, such as walnuts rich in antioxidant bioactive compounds and with a balanced lipid profile, could have positive outcomes on human health. A systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was performed to retrieve randomized controlled trials published from the beginning of each database through November 2021, reporting on the outcomes of walnut consumption over 22 metabolic syndrome and inflammatory markers in middle-aged and older adults. The search strategy rendered 17 studies in the final selection, including 11 crossover and 6 parallel trials. The study revealed that walnut-enriched diets had statistically significant decreasing effects for triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol concentrations on some inflammatory markers and presented no consequences on anthropometric and glycemic parameters. Although further studies and better-designed ones are needed to strengthen these findings, the results emphasize the benefits of including walnuts in the dietary plans of this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letiția Mateș
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Daniela-Saveta Popa
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.M.); (I.F.)
- Correspondence: (D.-S.P.); (M.E.R.); Tel.: +40-264-450-555 (D.-S.P.)
| | - Marius Emil Rusu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (D.-S.P.); (M.E.R.); Tel.: +40-264-450-555 (D.-S.P.)
| | - Ionel Fizeșan
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.M.); (I.F.)
| | - Daniel Leucuța
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.L.)
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Kamil M, Khan I, Rauf A, Bawazeer S, Bawazeer S, Rauf A, Irfan M. Chemical divergence of the Juglans Regia L. across districts Swat and Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2022; 84:e259731. [PMID: 35544794 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.259731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Juglans regia L. are nutritious fruit bearing plants mostly found in Northern areas of Pakistan. The population of walnuts was explored from district Dir and Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan for their geographical, climatic and chemical divergence. The geographical differences such as altitude, latitude and longitude whereas climatic differences viz. soil EC, soil pH, precipitations, intensity of light, temperature and soil temperature. In both districts TPC ranged from 211.2±0.6 to 227.8±0.4 mg/100g, RSA ranged from 43.32±1.5% to 52.18±0.4%, conductivity ranged from 296.43±0.6 to 312.22±0.3 S/m and elemental composition such as iron, copper, calcium, zinc and magnesium in Dir differs from 0.312±0.032, 0.209±0.13, 20.0±0.313, 0.406±0.10 and 10.2±0.030 mg/L to 0.543±0.65, 0.698±0.82, 28.7±0.234, 0.685±0.15 and 17.6±0.015 mg/L respectively. Altitude and temperature showed a correlation with total phenolics contents and radical scavenging activity while soil pH, precipitations, soil temperature, soil Ec and light intensity indicated a weak correlation with chemical traits of walnuts. Further studies of walnuts are needed to explore their therapeutically important phytochemicals to succeed naturally pharmaceutical nutrients of the maximum significance for the health of human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kamil
- Abdul Wali Khan University, Department of Botany, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - I Khan
- Abdul Wali Khan University, Department of Botany, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - A Rauf
- Abdul Wali Khan University, Department of Botany, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - S Bawazeer
- Umm Al-Qura University, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - S Bawazeer
- Umm Al-Qura University, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - A Rauf
- University of Swabi, Department of Chemistry, Swabi, Pakistan
| | - M Irfan
- Abdul Wali Khan University, Department of Botany, Mardan, Pakistan.,University of Swabi, Department of Botany, Swabi, Pakistan.,Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
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