Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet: A SWOC Analysis

Dietary Antioxidants and Natural Compounds in Preventing Thrombosis and Cardiovascular Disease

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, and coagulation abnormalities, promoting thrombus formation. Given the growing interest in non-pharmacological approaches to modulate oxidative stress, we examine the potential of various dietary interventions and antioxidant supplementation in reducing oxidative damage and preventing thrombotic events. Key dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and ketogenic diets, as well as antioxidant-rich supplements like curcumin, selenium, and polyphenols, demonstrate promising effects in improving oxidative stress markers, lipid profiles, and inflammatory responses. This review highlights recent advances in the field, drawing from in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical studies, and underscores the importance of integrating dietary strategies into preventive and therapeutic approaches for managing thrombosis and cardiovascular health. Further research is needed to better understand long-term effects and personalize these interventions for optimizing patient outcomes.

The Impact of Nutrition on Pain: A Narrative Review of Recent Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pain is a complex phenomenon that affects millions of individuals worldwide and poses a significant burden on public health. While pain management typically focuses on pharmacological and physical interventions, emerging research suggests that nutrition plays a crucial role in pain modulation. This narrative review aims to explore the relationship between nutrition and pain, providing a comprehensive overview of recent literature. The review covers various dietary factors, including macronutrients, micronutrients, dietary patterns, and specific dietary interventions. Additionally, the potential mechanisms underlying the impact of nutrition on pain are discussed. The findings highlight the potential for dietary interventions to complement traditional pain management approaches and provide valuable insights for future research and clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Literature suggested the impact of healthy nutrition on improvement in pain and that certain types of food may increase and worsen different pain conditions. Nutrition plays an important role in modulating pain. It is important to counsel patients in pain on best diet for their pain condition to alleviate pain. Our article summarizes very well the issue of nutrition and pain and provides a guide to all practitioners caring for patients with chronic pain.

Molecular Study of the Protective Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet against Brain Insulin Resistance in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Brain insulin resistance is linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS). A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet has been proposed to have a protective effect. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the brain insulin resistance markers in a rat animal model of MetS and the protective effects of the LCHF diet. Four groups of male rats (10/group) were created. Group I (Control) was fed a regular diet. Groups II-IV were injected with dexamethasone (DEX) to induce MetS. Group II received DEX with a regular diet. Group III (DEX + LCHF) rates were fed a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, while Group IV (DEX + HCLF) rats were fed a high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HCLF) diet. At the end of the four-week experiment, HOMA-IR was calculated. Moreover, cerebral gene expression analysis of S-100B, BDNF, TNF-α, IGF-1, IGF-1 R, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-5, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 was carried out. In the DEX group, rats showed a significant increase in the HOMA-IR and a decrease in the gene expression of IGF-1, IGF-1 R, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-5, BDNF, and Bcl2, with a concomitant rise in S100B, TNF-α, Bax, and caspase-3. The LCHF diet group showed a significantly opposite effect on all parameters. In conclusion, MetS is associated with dysregulated cerebral gene expression of BDNF, S100B, and TNF-α and disturbed IGF-1 signaling, with increased apoptosis and neuroinflammation. Moreover, the LCHF diet showed a protective effect, as evidenced by preservation of the investigated biochemical and molecular parameters.

Insulin Resistance and Hypertension: Mechanisms Involved and Modifying Factors for Effective Glucose Control

Factors such as aging, an unhealthy lifestyle with decreased physical activity, snacking, a standard Western diet, and smoking contribute to raising blood pressure to a dangerous level, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and heart failure. Atherosclerosis, or aging of the blood vessels, is a physiological process that has accelerated in the last decades by the overconsumption of carbohydrates as the primary sources of caloric intake, resulting in increased triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol and insulin spikes. Classically, medications ranging from beta blockers to angiotensin II blockers and even calcium channel blockers were used alone or in combination with lifestyle modifications as management tools in modern medicine to control arterial blood pressure. However, it is not easy to control blood pressure or the associated complications. A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet can reduce glucose and insulin spikes, improve insulin sensitivity, and lessen atherosclerosis risk factors. We reviewed articles describing the etiology of insulin resistance (IR) and its impact on arterial blood pressure from databases including PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar. We discuss how the LCHF diet is beneficial to maintaining arterial blood pressure at normal levels, slowing down the progression of atherosclerosis, and reducing the use of antihypertensive medications. The mechanisms involved in IR associated with hypertension are also highlighted.

MOTS-c Functionally Prevents Metabolic Disorders

Mitochondrial-derived peptides are a family of peptides encoded by short open reading frames in the mitochondrial genome, which have regulatory effects on mitochondrial functions, gene expression, and metabolic homeostasis of the body. As a new member of the mitochondrial-derived peptide family, mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c) is regarding a peptide hormone that could reduce insulin resistance, prevent obesity, improve muscle function, promote bone metabolism, enhance immune regulation, and postpone aging. MOTS-c plays these physiological functions mainly through activating the AICAR-AMPK signaling pathways by disrupting the folate-methionine cycle in cells. Recent studies have shown that the above hormonal effect can be achieved through MOTS-c regulating the expression of genes such as GLUT4, STAT3, and IL-10. However, there is a lack of articles summarizing the genes and pathways involved in the physiological activity of MOTS-c. This article aims to summarize and interpret the interesting and updated findings of MOTS-c-associated genes and pathways involved in pathological metabolic processes. Finally, it is expected to develop novel diagnostic markers and treatment approaches with MOTS-c to prevent and treat metabolic disorders in the future.