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Saad EA, Hassan HA, Ghoneum MH, Alaa El-Dein M. Edible wild plants, chicory and purslane, alleviated diabetic testicular dysfunction, and insulin resistance via suppression 8OHdg and oxidative stress in rats. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301454. [PMID: 38603728 PMCID: PMC11008903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Testicular dysfunction is a prevalent health problem frequently reported in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Oxidative-inflammatory reactions, hormonal and spermatic abnormalities often accompany this illness. Herbal remedies "particularly wild plants" including chicory (Chicorium Intybus) and purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) are emerging as popular agents for people dealing with these issues due to their ability to act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and exhibit antidiabetic effects. According to the collected data, the daily administration of chicory (Ch) seed-extract (250 mg/kg) or purslane (Pu) seed-extract (200 mg/kg) to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (50 mg/kg) for 30 days resulted in the normalization of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum fructosamine, insulin levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), as well as reducing lipid peroxidation end-product malondialdehyde (MDA) level, aldehyde oxidase (AO) and xanthene oxidase (XO) activities. While caused a considerable improvement in glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) when compared to diabetic rats. Ch and Pu extracts had a substantial impact on testicular parameters including sperm characterization, testosterone level, vimentin expression along with improvements in body and testis weight. They also mitigated hyperlipidemia by reducing total lipids (TL), total cholesterol (TC) levels, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Furthermore, oral administration of either Ch or Pu notably attuned the elevated proinflammatory cytokines as tumor necrotic factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) together with reducing apoptosis and DNA damage. This was achieved through the suppression of DNA-fragmentation marker 8OHdG, triggering of caspase-3 immuno-expression, and elevation of Bcl-2 protein. The histological studies provided evidence supporting the preventive effects of Ch and Pu against DM-induced testicular dysfunction. In conclusion, Ch and Pu seed-extracts mitigate testicular impairment during DM due to their antihyperglycemic, antilipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enas A. Saad
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hanaa A. Hassan
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mamdooh H. Ghoneum
- Department of Surgery, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Mai Alaa El-Dein
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Ceramella J, De Maio AC, Basile G, Facente A, Scali E, Andreu I, Sinicropi MS, Iacopetta D, Catalano A. Phytochemicals Involved in Mitigating Silent Toxicity Induced by Heavy Metals. Foods 2024; 13:978. [PMID: 38611284 PMCID: PMC11012104 DOI: 10.3390/foods13070978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) are natural elements present in the Earth's crust, characterised by a high atomic mass and a density more than five times higher than water. Despite their origin from natural sources, extensive usage and processing of raw materials and their presence as silent poisons in our daily products and diets have drastically altered their biochemical balance, making them a threat to the environment and human health. Particularly, the food chain polluted with toxic metals represents a crucial route of human exposure. Therefore, the impact of HMs on human health has become a matter of concern because of the severe chronic effects induced by their excessive levels in the human body. Chelation therapy is an approved valid treatment for HM poisoning; however, despite the efficacy demonstrated by chelating agents, various dramatic side effects may occur. Numerous data demonstrate that dietary components and phytoantioxidants play a significant role in preventing or reducing the damage induced by HMs. This review summarises the role of various phytochemicals, plant and herbal extracts or probiotics in promoting human health by mitigating the toxic effects of different HMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Azzurra Chiara De Maio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Giovanna Basile
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Anastasia Facente
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Elisabetta Scali
- Unit of Dermatology, Spoke Hospital, Locri, 89044 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Inmaculada Andreu
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación UPV-IIS La Fe, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Avenida de Fernando, Abril Martorell 106, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy; (J.C.); (A.C.D.M.); (G.B.); (A.F.); (D.I.)
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy;
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Cristodoro M, Zambella E, Fietta I, Inversetti A, Di Simone N. Dietary Patterns and Fertility. Biology (Basel) 2024; 13:131. [PMID: 38392349 PMCID: PMC10886842 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Diet has a key role in the reproductive axis both in males and females. This review aims to analyze the impacts of different dietary patterns on fertility. It appears that the Mediterranean diet has a predominantly protective role against infertility, while the Western diet seems to be a risk factor for infertility. Moreover, we focus attention also on dietary patterns in different countries of the World (Middle Eastern diet, Asian diet). In particular, when analyzing single nutrients, a diet rich in saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, animal proteins, and carbohydrates with high glycemic index is highly associated with male and female infertility. Finally, we evaluate the effects of vegetarian, vegan, and ketogenic diets on fertility, which seem to be still unclear. We believe that comprehension of the molecular mechanisms involved in infertility will lead to more effective and targeted treatments for infertile couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cristodoro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
| | - Enrica Zambella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Fietta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
| | - Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milano, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
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Ferrero G, Festa R, Follia L, Lettieri G, Tarallo S, Notari T, Giarra A, Marinaro C, Pardini B, Marano A, Piaggeschi G, Di Battista C, Trifuoggi M, Piscopo M, Montano L, Naccarati A. Small noncoding RNAs and sperm nuclear basic proteins reflect the environmental impact on germ cells. Mol Med 2024; 30:12. [PMID: 38243211 PMCID: PMC10799426 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00776-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular techniques can complement conventional spermiogram analyses to provide new information on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa and to identify early alterations due to environmental pollution. METHODS Here, we present a multilevel molecular profiling by small RNA sequencing and sperm nuclear basic protein analysis of male germ cells from 33 healthy young subjects residing in low and high-polluted areas. RESULTS Although sperm motility and sperm concentration were comparable between samples from the two sites, those from the high-pollution area had a higher concentration of immature/immune cells, a lower protamine/histone ratio, a reduced ability of sperm nuclear basic proteins to protect DNA from oxidative damage, and an altered copper/zinc ratio in sperm. Sperm levels of 32 microRNAs involved in intraflagellar transport, oxidative stress response, and spermatogenesis were different between the two areas. In parallel, a decrease of Piwi-interacting RNA levels was observed in samples from the high-polluted area. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into pollution-driven epigenetic alterations in sperm not detectable by spermiogram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Ferrero
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, University of Turin, Corso Svizzera, 185, 10149, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosaria Festa
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Follia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Tarallo
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check-Up PolyDiagnostic and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Pardini
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggeschi
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Di Battista
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-FoodFertility Project), S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital, 84020, Oliveto Citra, Salerno, Italy.
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessio Naccarati
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
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Russo C, Lombardo GE, Bruschetta G, Rapisarda A, Maugeri A, Navarra M. Bergamot Byproducts: A Sustainable Source to Counteract Inflammation. Nutrients 2024; 16:259. [PMID: 38257152 PMCID: PMC10819577 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is the result of an acute inflammatory response that fails to eliminate the pathogenic agent or heal the tissue injury. The consequence of this failure lays the foundations to the onset of several chronic ailments, including skin disorders, respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, and, eventually, cancer. In this context, the long-term use of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs to treat chronic illnesses cannot be tolerated by patients owing to the severe side effects. Based on this, the need for novel agents endowed with anti-inflammatory effects prompted to search potential candidates also within the plant kingdom, being recognized as a source of molecules currently employed in several therapeutical areas. Indeed, the ever-growing evidence on the anti-inflammatory properties of dietary polyphenols traced the route towards the study of flavonoid-rich sources, such as Citrus bergamia (bergamot) and its derivatives. Interestingly, the recent paradigm of the circular economy has promoted the valorization of Citrus fruit waste and, in regard to bergamot, it brought to light new evidence corroborating the anti-inflammatory potential of bergamot byproducts, thus increasing the scientific knowledge in this field. Therefore, this review aims to gather the latest literature supporting the beneficial role of both bergamot derivatives and waste products in different models of inflammatory-based diseases, thus highlighting the great potentiality of a waste re-evaluation perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Russo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (G.E.L.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Giovanni Enrico Lombardo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (G.E.L.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Giuseppe Bruschetta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale G. Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Antonio Rapisarda
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (G.E.L.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
| | - Alessandro Maugeri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale G. Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (G.E.L.); (A.R.); (M.N.)
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6
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Barrea L, Verde L, Annunziata G, Camajani E, Caprio M, Sojat AS, Marina LV, Guarnotta V, Colao A, Muscogiuri G. Role of Mediterranean diet in endocrine diseases: a joint overview by the endocrinologist and the nutritionist. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:17-33. [PMID: 37697017 PMCID: PMC10776748 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this review is to examine the current evidence on the potential role of Mediterranean diet (MD) in the prevention and management of endocrine disorders and to highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between endocrinologists and nutritionists. METHODS A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant studies published in English. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the role of MD in the prevention and management of endocrine disorders. The search terms included "Mediterranean diet," "endocrine disorders," "thyroid disorders," "gonadal disorders," and "neuroendocrine tumors". RESULTS The studies reviewed suggest that MD may have a beneficial effect in the prevention and management of various endocrine disorders, including thyroid disorders, gonadal disorders, and neuroendocrine tumors. MD has been associated with decreased risk of nodular thyroid disease and thyroid cancer, improved male and female reproductive health, and a potential role in the management of neuroendocrine tumors. MD's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its high levels of phytochemicals, may play a role in its beneficial effects. CONCLUSION Interdisciplinary collaboration between endocrinologists and nutritionists is essential for the optimal management of endocrine disorders, including the potential role of MD in their prevention and management. While further research is needed, the current evidence suggests that MD may have a protective effect against endocrine disorders, and its incorporation into dietary recommendations may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Barrea
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche, Università Telematica Pegaso, Via Porzio, Centro Direzionale, Isola F2, 80143, Naples, Italy
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - L Verde
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G Annunziata
- Department of Pharmacy, Federico II University, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - E Camajani
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, 00166, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - M Caprio
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, 00166, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, San Raffaele Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - A S Sojat
- National Centre for Infertility and Endocrinology of Gender, Clinic for Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - L V Marina
- National Centre for Infertility and Endocrinology of Gender, Clinic for Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - V Guarnotta
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Colao
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione alla salute e allo sviluppo sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - G Muscogiuri
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia e Andrologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione alla salute e allo sviluppo sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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Corsetti V, Notari T, Montano L. Effects of the low-carb organic Mediterranean diet on testosterone levels and sperm DNA fragmentation. Curr Res Food Sci 2023; 7:100636. [PMID: 38045510 PMCID: PMC10689274 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The causes of male infertility can vary. Lifestyles, environmental factors, stressful conditions, and socio-economic conditions are significant factors. Diet plays a crucial role in improving a man's reproductive capacity. The appropriate diet should be diverse and ensure the intake of all the necessary nutrients to enhance sperm quality. The Mediterranean diet, which includes high amounts of vegetables and fruits rich in detoxifying and antioxidant substances, as well as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and microelements, especially when consumed with organic foods and a lower carbohydrate regimen, are the key aspects addressed in this study. The objective of this research was to modify the diets of 50 subfertile men by providing them with a specific nutritional plan. This plan included consuming 80% organic foods, introducing whole grains and low glycemic load options, eliminating refined carbohydrates, consuming green leafy vegetables and red fruits daily, reducing or eliminating dairy products, consuming primarily grass-fed meat and wild caught seafood, eliminating saturated fats in favor of healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. After three months of adhering to the low-carb food plan, testosterone levels significantly increased, while sperm DNA fragmentation decreased in a subgroup of individuals who reduced their carbohydrate intake by 35%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Corsetti
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)-CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check Up -Polydiagnostic and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5/c, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-Food Fertility Project), “S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital”, 84020, Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133, Rome, Italy
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8
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Brecchia G, Muça G, Munga A, Menchetti L, Galosi L, Rossi G, Barbato O, Pastorelli G, Agradi S, Serra V, Sulçe M, Ozuni E, Turmalaj L, Castrica M, Ceccarini MR, Riva F, Fioretti B, Quattrone A, Marongiu ML, Curone G. Goji Berry in the Diet of the Rabbit Buck: Effects on Semen Quality, Oxidative Status and Histological Features of the Reproductive Tract. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1959. [PMID: 38001812 PMCID: PMC10669443 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Goji berry (GB) shows beneficial effects on human health, although its effects on the male rabbit have been little investigated. This study examines the impact of GB dietary supplementation on the semen traits, antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, and histological features of the reproductive tract of rabbit buck. Eighteen rabbits were distributed into two dietary groups: one receiving a commercial feed (Control), and the other a feed supplemented with 1% of GB (Goji). After a nutritional adaptation period of 60 days, the animals were subjected to semen collection every 15 days. The semen traits, libido, antioxidant, and inflammatory parameters were collected and analyzed. The rabbits were sacrificed after 60 days, and tissues of the genital tract were analyzed. Compared to the Control group, the Goji group showed higher spermatozoa concentration, motility, and vitality (p < 0.05), as well as fewer abnormal spermatozoa and a higher libido (p < 0.1). Histological features such as functional activity and hyperplasia were improved by GB and correlated with some semen traits (p < 0.05). Conversely, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters were unaffected by the diet. These findings suggest that GB acts on the tissues of the reproductive tract positively influencing semen quality, although further studies are needed to understand the effect on oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.B.); (G.P.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (F.R.); (A.Q.); (G.C.)
| | - Gerald Muça
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, Albania; (G.M.); (A.M.); (M.S.); (E.O.); (L.T.)
| | - Albana Munga
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, Albania; (G.M.); (A.M.); (M.S.); (E.O.); (L.T.)
| | - Laura Menchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy;
| | - Livio Galosi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Rossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024 Matelica, Italy;
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Grazia Pastorelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.B.); (G.P.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (F.R.); (A.Q.); (G.C.)
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.B.); (G.P.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (F.R.); (A.Q.); (G.C.)
| | - Valentina Serra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.B.); (G.P.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (F.R.); (A.Q.); (G.C.)
| | - Majlind Sulçe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, Albania; (G.M.); (A.M.); (M.S.); (E.O.); (L.T.)
| | - Enkeleda Ozuni
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, Albania; (G.M.); (A.M.); (M.S.); (E.O.); (L.T.)
| | - Luigj Turmalaj
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Kodër Kamëz, 1029 Tirana, Albania; (G.M.); (A.M.); (M.S.); (E.O.); (L.T.)
| | - Marta Castrica
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy;
| | | | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.B.); (G.P.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (F.R.); (A.Q.); (G.C.)
| | - Bernard Fioretti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Perugia, Via dell’Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Alda Quattrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.B.); (G.P.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (F.R.); (A.Q.); (G.C.)
| | - Maria Laura Marongiu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.B.); (G.P.); (S.A.); (V.S.); (F.R.); (A.Q.); (G.C.)
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9
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Costanzo R, Simonetta I, Musso S, Benigno UE, Cusimano LM, Giovannini EA, Giardina K, Abrignani V, Baglio I, Albanese A, Iacopino DG, Maugeri R, Tuttolomondo A. Role of Mediterranean diet in the development and recurrence of meningiomas: a narrative review. Neurosurg Rev 2023; 46:255. [PMID: 37736769 PMCID: PMC10517030 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02128-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Several studies through the years have proven how an unhealthy nutrition, physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and smoking represent relevant risk factors in cancer genesis. This study aims to provide an overview about the relationship between meningiomas and food assumption in the Mediterranean diet and whether it can be useful in meningioma prevention or it, somehow, can prevent their recurrence. The authors performed a wide literature search in PubMed and Scopus databases investigating the presence of a correlation between Mediterranean diet and meningiomas. The following MeSH and free text terms were used: "Meningiomas" AND "Diet" and "Brain tumors" AND "diet." Databases' search yielded a total of 749 articles. After duplicate removal, an abstract screening according to the eligibility criteria has been performed and 40 articles were selected. Thirty-one articles were excluded because they do not meet the inclusion criteria. Finally, a total of 9 articles were included in this review. It is widely established the key and protective role that a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet can have against tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, studies focusing exclusively on the Mediterranean diet are still lacking. Thus, multicentric and/or prospective, randomized studies are mandatory to better assess and determine the impact of food assumptions in meningioma involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Costanzo
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP "Paolo Giaccone", Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Irene Simonetta
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (ProMISE) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sofia Musso
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP "Paolo Giaccone", Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Umberto Emanuele Benigno
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP "Paolo Giaccone", Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Maria Cusimano
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP "Paolo Giaccone", Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Evier Andrea Giovannini
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP "Paolo Giaccone", Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Kevin Giardina
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP "Paolo Giaccone", Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Abrignani
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (ProMISE) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Baglio
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (ProMISE) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessio Albanese
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Gerardo Iacopino
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP "Paolo Giaccone", Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosario Maugeri
- Neurosurgical Clinic, AOUP "Paolo Giaccone", Post Graduate Residency Program in Neurologic Surgery, Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, Department of Promoting Health, Maternal-Infant Excellence and Internal and Specialized Medicine (ProMISE) G. D'Alessandro, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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10
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Ruggeri RM, Barbalace MC, Croce L, Malaguti M, Campennì A, Rotondi M, Cannavò S, Hrelia S. Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders: The Mediterranean Diet as a Protective Choice. Nutrients 2023; 15:3953. [PMID: 37764737 PMCID: PMC10535745 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid diseases are on the rise worldwide, and such a rapid increase is mainly driven by environmental factors related to changed lifestyles in "modern" societies. In this context, diet seems to play a crucial role. An unhealthy high-energy diet, rich in animal fat and proteins, salt and refined sugars (the so-called "Western diet") negatively influences the risk of autoimmunity by altering the immune balance and the gut microbiota composition, enhancing oxidative stress and promoting inflammation. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet represents a unique model of healthy eating, characterized by a high intake of food from vegetable sources, a low consumption of saturated fats in favor of unsaturated fats (mainly, olive oil), a moderate consumption of fish (typically, the small oily fishes) and dairy products, as well as a moderate consumption of wine at meals, and a low intake of meat. Thanks to its nutritional components, the Mediterranean Diet positively influences immune system function, gut microbiota composition, and redox homeostasis, exerting anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. The present review was aimed at exploring the existing knowledge on the correlations between dietary habits and thyroid autoimmunity, to evaluate the role of the Mediterranean diet as a protective model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood DETEV “G. Barresi”, Endocrinology Unit, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Barbalace
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Laura Croce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Malaguti
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Alfredo Campennì
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Mario Rotondi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory for Endocrine Disruptors, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (M.R.)
| | - Salvatore Cannavò
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood DETEV “G. Barresi”, Endocrinology Unit, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Silvana Hrelia
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.B.); (S.H.)
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11
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Abu-Khudir R, Almutairi HH, Abd El-Rahman SS, El-Said KS. The Palliative and Antioxidant Effects of Hesperidin against Lead-Acetate-Induced Testicular Injury in Male Wistar Rats. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2390. [PMID: 37760831 PMCID: PMC10525152 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lead (Pb)-induced reprotoxicity is a detrimental consequence of Pb exposure, which results in abnormal spermatogenesis, testicular degeneration, and pathogenic sperm changes. The association between impaired male reproductive function and Pb-induced oxidative stress (OS) has been demonstrated, with consequent testicular antioxidant deficiency. The current study investigated the protective role of the natural antioxidant hesperidin (HSD) against lead-acetate (PbAc)-induced testicular toxicity. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Group I (negative control) received 2.0 mL/kg BW 0.9% saline; Group II received 100 mg/kg BW PbAc; Group III received 100 mg/kg BW HSD; and Group IV received HSD two hours before PbAc using the abovementioned doses. The treatments were administered daily for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that HSD treatment significantly restored PbAc-induced decrease in body, epididymal, and testicular weights as well as in semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and testicular markers of OS. Reduced MDA levels and improved testicular histopathological findings were also observed. Collectively, this study sheds light on the preventive role of HSD against PbAc-induced testicular injury, which is mediated via the suppression of OS and the modulation of reproductive hormones as well as the plausibility of HSD being used as a supplementary therapeutic option for recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Abu-Khudir
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box 380, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Branch, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt;
| | - Hayfa Habes Almutairi
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box 380, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sahar S. Abd El-Rahman
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt;
| | - Karim Samy El-Said
- Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Branch, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt;
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12
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Puliatti S, Toso S, Ticonosco M, Rabito S, Sighinolfi MC, Ferrari R, Rochira V, Santi D, Trenti T, Navarra M, Ferretti S, Montano L, Micali S. Semen Analysis in "Urology-Naïve" Patients: A Chance of Uroandrological Screening in Young Males. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113803. [PMID: 37298000 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: While females start their gynecological examinations during puberty, only few men decide to be visited by urologists in their youth. Given the participation in the EcoFoodFertility research project, our department had the opportunity to screen young males that were supposedly healthy. (2) Results: from January 2019 to July 2020, we evaluated 157 patients with sperm, blood analysis, and uroandrological examinations. The inclusion criteria were age 18-40 and absence of previous urological disease (urology-naïve). The primary endpoint of the study was to record uroandrological diseases that are occasionally discovered during examination in asymptomatic young men. The average age was 26.9 years (range 18-40); average testicular volume was 15.7 mL (range 12-22 mL); and 45.2% reported abnormal semen analysis: 62 cases of teratozoospermia, 27 asthenozoospermia, 18 oligozoospermia, and 2 azoospermia were discovered respectively; 4/157 patients were diagnosed with hypogonadism; 2 cases with suspicious testicular mass resulted in testicular cancer; and 31 suspected varicoceles and 8 patients with mild sexual dysfunctions were managed. (3) Conclusions: an uroandrological evaluation of young asymptomatic males allowed for the prompt diagnosis of different urological conditions, including cancerous ones, in our series. Despite being debatable, combining urological counselling with physical examination, semen analysis, and a laboratory profile could be useful and cost-effective in order to ameliorate male health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Puliatti
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Toso
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Ticonosco
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rabito
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Ferrari
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Toxicology and Advanced Diagnostics, Ospedale S. Agostino-Estense, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferretti
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in Uroandrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project), Oliveto Citra Hospital, 84124 Salerno, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Micali
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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13
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Russo C, Maugeri A, Albergamo A, Dugo G, Navarra M, Cirmi S. Protective Effects of a Red Grape Juice Extract against Bisphenol A-Induced Toxicity in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells. Toxics 2023; 11:391. [PMID: 37112618 PMCID: PMC10145567 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food and water, thus leading to endothelial dysfunction, the first signal of atherosclerosis. Vitis vinifera L. (grape) juice is well known for its health-promoting properties, due to its numerous bioactive compounds among which are polyphenols. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of a red grape juice extract (RGJe) against the endothelial damage induced by BPA in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as an in vitro model of endothelial dysfunction. Our results showed that RGJe treatment counteracted BPA-induced cell death and apoptosis in HUVECs, blocking caspase 3 and modulating p53, Bax, and Bcl-2. Moreover, RGJe demonstrated antioxidant properties in abiotic tests and in vitro, where it reduced BPA-induced reactive oxygen species as well as restored mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA integrity, and nitric oxide levels. Furthermore, RGJe reduced the increase of chemokines (IL-8, IL-1β, and MCP-1) and adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin), caused by BPA exposure, involved in the primary phase of atheromatous plaque formation. Overall, our results suggest that RGJe prevents BPA-induced vascular damage modulating specific intracellular mechanisms, along with protecting cells, owing to its antioxidant capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Russo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Alessandro Maugeri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Ambrogina Albergamo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (G.D.)
- Science4Life s.r.l., a Spin-Off of the University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giacomo Dugo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Images Sciences, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (G.D.)
- Science4Life s.r.l., a Spin-Off of the University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Santa Cirmi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (C.R.); (S.C.)
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14
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Dimitriadis F, Borgmann H, Struck JP, Salem J, Kuru TH. Antioxidant Supplementation on Male Fertility-A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040836. [PMID: 37107211 PMCID: PMC10135082 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to review the current literature regarding the effect of antioxidant supplementation (AS) on male fertility parameters, as AS is commonly used to treat male infertility due to the availability and affordability of antioxidants in many parts of the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane electronic bibliographies were searched using the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to evaluate studies on the benefit of antioxidant therapy on infertile men. Results were analyzed regarding the following aspects: (a) ingredient and dose; (b) potential mechanism of action and rationale for use; and (c) effect on various reported outcomes. RESULTS Thus, 29 studies found a substantial positive effect of AS on outcomes of assisted reproductive therapy (ART), WHO semen parameters, and live-birth rate. Carnitines, Vitamin E and C, N-acetyl cysteine, coenzyme Q10, selenium, zinc, folic acid, and lycopene were beneficial ingredients. Nevertheless, some studies did not show a substantial change in one or more factors. CONCLUSION AS seems to have a positive effect on male fertility. Environmental factors may play an increasing role in fertility. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal AS combination and the influence of environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Dimitriadis
- Urology Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Hendrik Borgmann
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Julian P Struck
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Johannes Salem
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Timur H Kuru
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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15
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Russo C, Maugeri A, Musumeci L, De Sarro G, Cirmi S, Navarra M. Inflammation and Obesity: The Pharmacological Role of Flavonoids in the Zebrafish Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36769222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A Mediterranean-style diet is highly encouraged thanks to its healthy food pattern, which includes valuable nutraceuticals such as polyphenols. Among these, flavonoids are associated with relevant biological properties through which they prevent or fight the onset of several human pathologies. Globally, the enhanced incidence of overweight and obese people has caused a dramatic increase in comorbidities, raising the need to provide better therapies. Therefore, the development of sophisticated animal models of metabolic dysregulation has allowed for a deepening of knowledge on this subject. Recent advances in using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as model for metabolic disease have yielded fundamental insights into the potential anti-obesity effects of flavonoids. Chronic low-grade inflammation and immune system activation seem to characterize the pathogenesis of obesity; thus, their reduction might improve the lipid profile of obese patients or prevent the development of associated metabolic illnesses. In this review, we highlight the beneficial role of flavonoids on obesity and related diseases linked to their anti-inflammatory properties. In light of the summarized studies, we suggest that anti-inflammatory therapies could have a relevant place in the prevention and treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.
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16
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Maugeri A, Calderaro A, Patanè GT, Navarra M, Barreca D, Cirmi S, Felice MR. Targets Involved in the Anti-Cancer Activity of Quercetin in Breast, Colorectal and Liver Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36769274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytochemicals have long been effective partners in the fight against several diseases, including cancer. Among these, flavonoids are valuable allies for both cancer prevention and therapy since they are known to influence a large panel of tumor-related processes. Particularly, it was revealed that quercetin, one of the most common flavonoids, controls apoptosis and inhibits migration and proliferation, events essential for the development of cancer. In this review, we collected the evidence on the anti-cancer activity of quercetin exploring the network of interactions between this flavonol and the proteins responsible for cancer onset and progression focusing on breast, colorectal and liver cancers, owing to their high worldwide incidence. Moreover, quercetin proved to be also a potentiating agent able to push further the anti-cancer activity of common employed anti-neoplastic agents, thus allowing to lower their dosages and, above all, to sensitize again resistant cancer cells. Finally, novel approaches to delivery systems can enhance quercetin's pharmacokinetics, thus boosting its great potentiality even further. Overall, quercetin has a lot of promise, given its multi-target potentiality; thus, more research is strongly encouraged to properly define its pharmaco-toxicological profile and evaluate its potential for usage in adjuvant and chemoprevention therapy.
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17
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Wei J, Lu X, Bao X, Zhang C, Li J, Ren C, Zhu Z, Ma B, Zhang N, Jin X, Ma B. Aucubin supplementation alleviate diabetes induced-disruption of blood-testis barrier and testicular damage via stabilizing cell junction integrity. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 938:175430. [PMID: 36460131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of blood-testis barrier (BTB) was a crucial pathological feature of diabetes induced-testicular injury at early phase. Aucubin (AU), a main active component in Eucommiae Cortex, has drawn attention for its benefits against male reproductive system disease. The current study was aimed at investigating the protective role of AU and exploring the underlying mechanism in diabetic model. A murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced by high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozocin (STZ). Testicular weight index and morphology, sperm quality, integrity of BTB and protein levels were analyzed. The underlying mechanism of the protective effect of AU was further explored in Sertoli cells (SCs) cultured with high glucose (HG). Our results showed AU inhibited testicular structural destruction, restored disruption of BTB and improved abnormal spermatogenic function in diabetic mice. Consistent with in vivo results, HG induced decreased transcellular resistance and increased permeability in SCs monolayers, while AU exposure reverses this trend. Meanwhile, reduced expression of Zonula occludin-1(ZO-1) and Connexin43(Cx43) in testicular tissue diabetic mice and HG-induced SCs was prominently reversed via AU treatment. Mechanistic studies suggested a high affinity interaction between AU and c-Src protein was identified based on molecular docking, and the activation of c-Src was significantly inhibited in AU treatment. Furthermore, AU significantly increased the expression of Cx43 and ZO-1 proteins HG-induced SCs, which can be further enhanced in gene-silenced c-Src cells to some extent. Our results suggested that AU ameliorated disruption of BTB and spermatogenesis dysfunction in diabetic mice via inactivating c-Src to stabilize cell junction integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxun Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanzhao Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowen Bao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Nanjing Tech University School of Economics & Management. Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoxing Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiming Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Beiting Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Zhang
- School of Chemical and Molecular Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Pieczyńska K, Rzymski P. Health Benefits of Vegetarian and Mediterranean Diets: Narrative Review. POL J FOOD NUTR SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.31883/pjfns/156067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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19
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Russo C, Maugeri A, De Luca L, Gitto R, Lombardo GE, Musumeci L, De Sarro G, Cirmi S, Navarra M. The SIRT2 Pathway Is Involved in the Antiproliferative Effect of Flavanones in Human Leukemia Monocytic THP-1 Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102383. [PMID: 36289647 PMCID: PMC9598940 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents the most alarming hematological disease for adults. Several genetic modifications are known to be pivotal in AML; however, SIRT2 over-expression has attracted the scientific community’s attention as an unfavorable prognostic marker. The plant kingdom is a treasure trove of bioactive principles, with flavonoids standing out among the others. On this line, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-leukemic properties of the main flavanones of Citrus spp., exploring the potential implication of SIRT2. Naringenin (NAR), hesperetin (HSP), naringin (NRG), and neohesperidin (NHP) inhibited SIRT2 activity in the isolated recombinant enzyme, and more, the combination between NAR and HSP. In monocytic leukemic THP-1 cells, only NAR and HSP induced antiproliferative effects, altering the cell cycle. These effects may be ascribed to SIRT2 inhibition since these flavonoids reduced its gene expression and hampered the deacetylation of p53, known sirtuin substrate, and contextually modulated the expression of the downstream cell cycle regulators p21 and cyclin E1. Additionally, these two flavanones proved to interact with the SIRT2 inhibitory site, as shown by docking simulations. Our results suggest that both NAR and HSP may act as anti-leukemic agents, alone and in combination, via targeting the SIRT2/p53/p21/cyclin E1 pathway, thus encouraging deeper investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Russo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Fondazione “Prof. Antonio Imbesi”, 98123 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Maugeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Laura De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gitto
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Enrico Lombardo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Laura Musumeci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Santa Cirmi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
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20
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Perrone P, Lettieri G, Marinaro C, Longo V, Capone S, Forleo A, Pappalardo S, Montano L, Piscopo M. Molecular Alterations and Severe Abnormalities in Spermatozoa of Young Men Living in the "Valley of Sacco River" (Latium, Italy): A Preliminary Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph191711023. [PMID: 36078739 PMCID: PMC9518305 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Valley of Sacco River (VSR) (Latium, Italy) is an area with large-scale industrial chemical production that has led over time to significant contamination of soil and groundwater with various industrial pollutants, such as organic pesticides, dioxins, organic solvents, heavy metals, and particularly, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In the present study, we investigated the potential impact of VOCs on the spermatozoa of healthy young males living in the VSR, given the prevalent presence of several VOCs in the semen of these individuals. To accomplish this, spermiograms were conducted followed by molecular analyses to assess the content of sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) in addition to the protamine-histone ratio and DNA binding of these proteins. We found drastic alterations in the spermatozoa of these young males living in the VSR. Alterations were seen in sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count, and protamine/histone ratios, and included significant reductions in SNBP-DNA binding capacity. Our results provide preliminary indications of a possible correlation between the observed alterations and the presence of specific VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Perrone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Longo
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Simonetta Capone
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Angiola Forleo
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project),
Oliveto Citra Hospital, 84020 Oliveto Citra, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
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21
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El-ramady H, Hajdú P, Törős G, Badgar K, Llanaj X, Kiss A, Abdalla N, Omara AE, Elsakhawy T, Elbasiouny H, Elbehiry F, Amer M, El-mahrouk ME, Prokisch J. Plant Nutrition for Human Health: A Pictorial Review on Plant Bioactive Compounds for Sustainable Agriculture. Sustainability 2022; 14:8329. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Is there any relationship between plant nutrition and human health? The overall response to this question is very positive, and a strong relationship between the nutrition of plants and humans has been reported in the literature. The nutritional status of edible plants consumed by humans can have a negative or positive impact on human health. This review was designed to assess the importance of plant bioactive compounds for human health under the umbrella of sustainable agriculture. With respect to the first research question, it was found that plant bioactives (e.g., alkaloids, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids) have a crucial role in human health due to their therapeutic benefits, and their potentiality depends on several factors, including botanical, environmental, and clinical attributes. Plant bioactives could be produced using plant tissue culture tools (as a kind of agro-biotechnological method), especially in cases of underexploited or endangered plants. Bioactive production of plants depends on many factors, especially climate change (heat stress, drought, UV radiation, ozone, and elevated CO2), environmental pollution, and problematic soils (degraded, saline/alkaline, waterlogged, etc.). Under the previously mentioned stresses, in reviewing the literature, a positive or negative association was found depending on the kinds of stress or bioactives and their attributes. The observed correlation between plant bioactives and stress (or growth factors) might explain the importance of these bioactives for human health. Their accumulation in stressed plants can increase their tolerance to stress and their therapeutic roles. The results of this study are in keeping with previous observational studies, which confirmed that the human nutrition might start from edible plants and their bioactive contents, which are consumed by humans. This review is the first report that analyzes this previously observed relationship using pictorial presentation.
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22
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Montano L, Pironti C, Pinto G, Ricciardi M, Buono A, Brogna C, Venier M, Piscopo M, Amoresano A, Motta O. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Environment: Occupational and Exposure Events, Effects on Human Health and Fertility. Toxics 2022; 10:365. [PMID: 35878270 PMCID: PMC9323099 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10070365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade or so, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) garnered renewed attention in the scientific community due to new evidence pointing at their continued presence in the environment and workplaces and the potential human risks related to their presence. PCBs move from the environment to humans through different routes; the dominant pathway is the ingestion of contaminated foods (fish, seafood and dairy products), followed by inhalation (both indoor and outdoor air), and, to a lesser extent, dust ingestion and dermal contact. Numerous studies reported the environmental and occupational exposure to these pollutants, deriving from building materials (flame-retardants, plasticizers, paints, caulking compounds, sealants, fluorescent light ballasts, etc.) and electrical equipment. The highest PCBs contaminations were detected in e-waste recycling sites, suggesting the need for the implementation of remediation strategies of such polluted areas to safeguard the health of workers and local populations. Furthermore, a significant correlation between PCB exposure and increased blood PCB concentrations was observed in people working in PCB-contaminated workplaces. Several epidemiological studies suggest that environmental and occupational exposure to high concentrations of PCBs is associated with different health outcomes, such as neuropsychological and neurobehavioral deficits, dementia, immune system dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In addition, recent studies indicate that PCBs bioaccumulation can reduce fertility, with harmful effects on the reproductive system that can be passed to offspring. In the near future, further studies are needed to assess the real effects of PCBs exposure at low concentrations for prolonged exposure in workplaces and specific indoor environments.
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Longo V, Forleo A, Radogna AV, Siciliano P, Notari T, Pappalardo S, Piscopo M, Montano L, Capone S. A novel human biomonitoring study by semiconductor gas sensors in Exposomics: investigation of health risk in contaminated sites. Environ Pollut 2022; 304:119119. [PMID: 35341815 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Two areas in central-southern Italy Land of Fires in Campania and Valley of Sacco river in Lazio are known to be contaminated sites, the first due to illegal fly-tipping and toxic fires, and the second due to an intensive industrial exploitation done by no-scruple companies and crooked public administration offices with dramatic consequences for environment and resident people. The work is intended to contribute to Human BioMonitoring (HBM) studies conducted in these areas on healthy young male population by a semiconductor gas sensor array trained by SPME-GC/MS. Human semen, blood and urine were investigated. The fingerprinting of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by a gas sensors system allowed to discriminate the different contamination of the two areas and was able to predict the chemical concentration of several VOCs identified by GC/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Longo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy
| | - Angiola Forleo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonio Vincenzo Radogna
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy; Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Pietro Siciliano
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Reproductive Medicine Unit of Check Up Polydiagnostic Center, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project), Italy "Oliveto Citra Hospital", Salerno, Italy; PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Un. of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Capone
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy.
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24
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Saleh SR, Manaa A, Sheta E, Ghareeb DA, Abd-Elmonem NM. The Synergetic Effect of Egyptian Portulaca oleracea L. (Purslane) and Cichorium intybus L. (Chicory) Extracts against Glucocorticoid-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats through Attenuation of Oxidative Reactions and Autophagy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071272. [PMID: 35883763 PMCID: PMC9311541 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term glucocorticoids can alter sperm motility, vitality, or morphology, disrupting male reproductive function. This study scrutinized the synergistic benefits of two Egyptian plants against dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced testicular and autophagy dysfunction in male rats. Phytochemical ingredients and the combination index were estimated for Purslane ethanolic extract (PEE) and Chicory water extract (CWE). Four control groups received saline and 100 mg/kg of each PEE, CWE, and PEE/CWE, daily for 8 weeks. Dexa (1 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks) induced infertility where PEE, CWE, and PEE/CWE were given. Seminal analysis, male hormones, glycemic and oxidative stress markers, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (Sigma 1R and GRP78), and autophagy regulators (Phospho-mTOR, LC3I/II, PI3KC3, and Beclin-1, P62, ATG5, and ATG7) were measured. The in vitro study illustrated the synergistic (CI < 1) antioxidant capacity of the PEE/CWE combination. Dexa exerts testicular damage by inducing oxidative reactions, a marked reduction in serum testosterone, TSH and LH levels, insulin resistance, ER stress, and autophagy. In contrast, the PEE and CWE extracts improve fertility hormones, sperm motility, and testicular histological alterations through attenuating oxidative stress and autophagy, with a synergistic effect upon combination. In conclusion, the administration of PEE/CWE has promised ameliorative impacts on male infertility and can delay disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar R. Saleh
- Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21515, Egypt; (A.M.); (D.A.G.); (N.M.A.-E.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +20-122-573-2849; Fax: +2-(03)-391-1794
| | - Ashraf Manaa
- Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21515, Egypt; (A.M.); (D.A.G.); (N.M.A.-E.)
| | - Eman Sheta
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21131, Egypt;
| | - Doaa A. Ghareeb
- Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21515, Egypt; (A.M.); (D.A.G.); (N.M.A.-E.)
| | - Nihad M. Abd-Elmonem
- Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21515, Egypt; (A.M.); (D.A.G.); (N.M.A.-E.)
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25
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Notariale R, Perrone P, Mele L, Lettieri G, Piscopo M, Manna C. Olive Oil Phenols Prevent Mercury-Induced Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Morphological Changes in Human Erythrocytes Regardless of Their Different Scavenging Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105693. [PMID: 35628502 PMCID: PMC9147954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation to the external membrane leaflet represents a key mechanism in the pathophysiology of human erythrocytes (RBC) acting as an "eat me" signal for the removal of aged/stressed cells. Loss of physiological membrane asymmetry, however, can lead to adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, activating a prothrombotic activity. The data presented indicate that structurally related olive oil phenols prevent cell alterations induced in intact human RBC exposed to HgCl2 (5-40 µM) or Ca2+ ionophore (5 µM), as measured by hallmarks including PS exposure, reactive oxygen species generation, glutathione depletion and microvesicles formation. The protective effect is observed in a concentration range of 1-30 µM, hydroxytyrosol being the most effective; its in vivo metabolite homovanillic alcohol still retains the biological activity of its dietary precursor. Significant protection is also exerted by tyrosol, in spite of its weak scavenging activity, indicating that additional mechanisms are involved in the protective effect. When RBC alterations are mediated by an increase in intracellular calcium, the protective effect is observed at higher concentrations, indicating that the selected phenols mainly act on Ca2+-independent mechanisms, identified as protection of glutathione depletion. Our findings strengthen the nutritional relevance of olive oil bioactive compounds in the claimed health-promoting effects of the Mediterranean Diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Notariale
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (R.N.); (P.P.)
| | - Pasquale Perrone
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (R.N.); (P.P.)
| | - Luigi Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Caterina Manna
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (R.N.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Di Fabrizio C, Giorgione V, Khalil A, Murdoch CE. Antioxidants in Pregnancy: Do We Really Need More Trials? Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:812. [PMID: 35624676 PMCID: PMC9137466 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pregnancy can be affected by numerous pathologies, from those which are mild and reversible to others which are life-threatening. Among these, gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with subsequent consequences stand out. Health problems experienced by women during pregnancy and postpartum are associated with significant costs to health systems worldwide and contribute largely to maternal mortality and morbidity. Major risk factors for mothers include obesity, advanced maternal age, cardiovascular dysfunction, and endothelial damage; in these scenarios, oxidative stress plays a major role. Markers of oxidative stress can be measured in patients with preeclampsia, foetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes mellitus, even before their clinical onset. In consequence, antioxidant supplements have been proposed as a possible therapy; however, results derived from large scale randomised clinical trials have been disappointing as no positive effects were demonstrated. This review focuses on the latest evidence on oxidative stress in pregnancy complications, their early diagnosis, and possible therapies to prevent or treat these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Di Fabrizio
- Vascular Biology Research Center, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK; (C.D.F.); (V.G.); (A.K.)
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Veronica Giorgione
- Vascular Biology Research Center, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK; (C.D.F.); (V.G.); (A.K.)
| | - Asma Khalil
- Vascular Biology Research Center, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0QT, UK; (C.D.F.); (V.G.); (A.K.)
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Colin E. Murdoch
- Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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