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Superfoods and Longevity

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 11321

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Interests: atherosclerosis; cardiovascular disease; hypertension; thrombosis; oxidative stress; antioxidants; foods; natural supplement; cholesterol; aging
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death worldwide. Factors that can reduce the occurrence of these important diseases could contribute to important improvements in health and longevity. While oxidative stress promotes ageing and related chronic diseases, a diet enriched in fruits, vegetables, and their processed products is known to be protective against oxidative stress, reducing the incidences of chronic diseases. The polyphenols contained in fruits and vegetables are the most powerful natural antioxidants. Many published clinical studies on the effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on health have shown an inverse association between dietary polyphenol intake and cardiovascular disease risk, with a reduction in cardiovascular mortality of up to 65%. In simple words, polyphenols can prevent the main cardiovascular diseases responsible for aging and death. Some controlled studies on the short-term effects of a dietary intervention with foods rich in polyphenols (e.g., cocoa, nuts, tea, red wine) have shown that the main positive effect on reducing the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) is due to an evident improvement in vascular endothelial function. In particular, the acute and short-term intake of polyphenols with the diet, through a powerful direct antioxidant action as scavengers (substances capable of transforming oxygen free radicals into non-radical compounds free of reactivity and therefore toxicity), reduces the level of oxygen free radicals (oxidative stress) and therefore increases the bioavailability of nitric oxide (the most powerful endogenous natural vasodilator). All this leads to an increase in endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans, with repair of vascular damage, improvement of blood perfusion to organs, and prevention of chronic degenerative diseases, with the result not only of a longer life but, above all, of an exceptional state of physical and mental form until late age.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences entitled “Superfoods and Longevity” will include a selection of original articles and reviews aimed at expanding our awareness of the progress in the knowledge of the super foods acting as antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress and oxidant enzymes, and providing protection from deleterious reactive oxygen species.

Prof. Dr. Valerio Sanguigni
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Food
  • Polyphenols
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
  • Chronic diseases
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Vascular function
  • Oxidative stress
  • Antioxidant activities

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 16881 KiB  
Article
The Protective Effect of a Unique Mix of Polyphenols and Micronutrients against Neurodegeneration Induced by an In Vitro Model of Parkinson’s Disease
by Francesca Pacifici, Chiara Salimei, Donatella Pastore, Gina Malatesta, Camillo Ricordi, Giulia Donadel, Alfonso Bellia, Valentina Rovella, Marco Tafani, Enrico Garaci, Manfredi Tesauro, Davide Lauro, Nicola Di Daniele and David Della-Morte
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(6), 3110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063110 - 13 Mar 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3867
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is second-most common disabling neurological disorder worldwide, and unfortunately, there is not yet a definitive way to prevent it. Polyphenols have been widely shown protective efficacy against various PD symptoms. However, data on their effect on physio-pathological mechanisms underlying this [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is second-most common disabling neurological disorder worldwide, and unfortunately, there is not yet a definitive way to prevent it. Polyphenols have been widely shown protective efficacy against various PD symptoms. However, data on their effect on physio-pathological mechanisms underlying this disease are still lacking. In the present work, we evaluated the activity of a mixture of polyphenols and micronutrients, named A5+, in the murine neuroblastoma cell line N1E115 treated with 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), an established neurotoxic stimulus used to induce an in vitro PD model. We demonstrate that a pretreatment of these cells with A5+ causes significant reduction of inflammation, resulting in a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, and CXCL1), a reduction in ROS production and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2, and a decrease in apoptotic mechanisms with the related increase in cell viability. Intriguingly, A5+ treatment promoted cellular differentiation into dopaminergic neurons, as evident by the enhancement in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, a well-established dopaminergic neuronal marker. Overall, these results demonstrate the synergic and innovative efficacy of A5+ mixture against PD cellular pathological processes, although further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Superfoods and Longevity)
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Review

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15 pages, 275 KiB  
Review
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Fruit as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Health-Promoting Effects—A Review
by Katarzyna Kowalska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(10), 5126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22105126 - 12 May 2021
Cited by 62 | Viewed by 6510
Abstract
Berries, especially members of the Ericaceae family, are among the best dietary sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects. The most popular berries are in the genus Vaccinium, such as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon, V. [...] Read more.
Berries, especially members of the Ericaceae family, are among the best dietary sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects. The most popular berries are in the genus Vaccinium, such as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon, V. oxycoccos), and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) is less prevalent in the daily human diet because they are collected from the wild, and plant breeding of lingonberry is still on a small scale. Lingonberries are classed as “superfruits” with the highest content of antioxidants among berries and a broad range of health-promoting effects. Many studies showed various beneficial effects of lingonberries, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Lingonberries have been shown to prevent low-grade inflammation and diet-induced obesity in diabetic animals. Moreover, lingonberry intake has been associated with a beneficial effect on preventing and treating brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. The consumption of berries and their health-promoting activity is a subject receiving a great deal of attention. Many studies investigated the natural compounds found in berries to combat diseases and promote healthy aging. This article’s scope is to indicate the potential beneficial effect of lingonberry consumption on health, to promote well-being and longevity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Superfoods and Longevity)
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