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Functional Foods and Health Promotion

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemicals and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2024) | Viewed by 13057

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, NA, Italy
Interests: food supplements; functional food ingredients; polyphenols; biological activity; in vitro bioaccessibility and bioavailability
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Co-Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: polyphenols; nutrition; prevention; biology; bioavailability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Non communicable Diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, kill 41 million people each year representing 74% of all deaths globally. A disease is considered chronic when the patient conditions require medical treatment and symptoms last for a year or more. NCDs are the result of the combination of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, among which are included poor nutrition or diets with low fruits and vegetables intake.

In this perspective the research and the study of new functional food is becoming more and more important every year, considering that they can be used to reduce and especially prevent NCDs improving the outcomes of patients. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) defines functional as “a food, which beneficially affects one or more target functions in the body, beyond adequate nutritional effects, in a way that is relevant to either an improved state of health and well-being and/or reduction of risk of disease”.

This special issue, “Functional Foods and Health Promotion”, is focused on the identification, development, and establishment of functional foods through the study of the biological mechanisms that food bioactive components can express, improving the patient's state of health. Moreover, the research of alternative approaches capable of reducing the high cost of NCDs in the health care system through the promotion of control and prevention is becoming an essential and successful long-term strategy.

For all the reasons cited above a wide range of articles are welcome, including in vitro and in vivo studies, which are essential to obtain new data for the future clinical trials. A particular attention will be dedicated to clinical studies, considering their support by convincing scientific data to the efficacy of new functional food. Finally, comprehensive reviews which can summarize important topics useful for the birth of new scientific studies.

Dr. Hammad Ullah
Dr. Marco Dacrema
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • polyphenols
  • health
  • functional food
  • prevention
  • reduction of risk disease

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 4300 KiB  
Article
Immunostimulation Signaling via Toll-like Receptor 2 Activation: A Molecular Mechanism of Lactococcus lactis OTG1204 In Vitro and In Vivo
by Hyeon-A Song, Seo-Yun Jang, Min-Ji Park, Seung Wook Kim, Choon Gil Kang, Joo Hyun Lee, Hye-Jin Kim, Jiheon Kim, Jong Kil Lee, Kyung-Sook Chung and Kyung-Tae Lee
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3629; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213629 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 588
Abstract
Introduction: The immune system’s defense against pathogens involves innate and adaptive responses, crucial in maintaining overall health. Immunosuppressed states render individuals more susceptible to potential diseases, indicating the need for effective strategies to bolster immune functions. Objectives: Although the immunostimulatory effects of various [...] Read more.
Introduction: The immune system’s defense against pathogens involves innate and adaptive responses, crucial in maintaining overall health. Immunosuppressed states render individuals more susceptible to potential diseases, indicating the need for effective strategies to bolster immune functions. Objectives: Although the immunostimulatory effects of various probiotics have been studied, the specific effects and molecular mechanisms of Lactococcus lactis OTG1204 (OTG1204) remain unknown. In this study, the aim was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of OTG1204 in RAW 264.7 macrophages, the key effector cells of the innate immune system involved in host defense and inflammatory responses. Additionally, in this study, the effects of OTG1204 on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression states were investigated, thereby demonstrating its potential as an immune stimulant. Methods: To assess the macrophage activation ability and underlying mechanisms of OTG1204, RAW 264.7 cells were utilized with transfection, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitative real-time PCR analyses. Furthermore, to evaluate the immunostimulatory effects under immunosuppressed conditions, CTX-induced immunosuppression mice model was employed, and analyses were performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, flow cytometry, and microbiota examination. Results: OTG1204 activated RAW 264.7 macrophages, leading to increased production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, and cytokines. This immune activation was mediated through the upregulation of toll-like receptor 2, which subsequently activated the nuclear factor-κB (NF-kB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/activator protein 1 (AP-1) pathways, thereby stimulating the immune response. In CTX-treated mice, OTG1204 recovered body weight, spleen, and mesenteric lymph node indices, and natural killer cell activity. It re-established populations of innate and adaptive immune cells and activated T cells to secrete cytokines. We also examined the gut barrier integrity and microbiota composition to assess OTG1204’s impact on intestinal health, as these factors play a significant role in immune enhancement. OTG1204 enhanced gut barrier integrity by upregulating mucin 2 and tight junction proteins and modulated the gut microbiota by restoring the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes balance and reducing the abundance of Actinobacteria and Tenericutes. Conclusion: These results suggest that OTG1204 may serve as an effective probiotic for immune enhancement and gut health management by targeting the NF-κB and MAPK/AP-1 pathways, with minimal side effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Promotion)
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15 pages, 1317 KiB  
Article
Efficacy and Tolerability of a Food Supplement Based on Zea mays L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.br.ex Sm, Zinc and Chromium for the Maintenance of Normal Carbohydrate Metabolism: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
by Daniele Giuseppe Buccato, Hammad Ullah, Lorenza Francesca De Lellis, Maria Vittoria Morone, Danaé S. Larsen, Alessandro Di Minno, Marcello Cordara, Roberto Piccinocchi, Alessandra Baldi, Agostino Greco, Salvatore Santonastaso, Roberto Sacchi and Maria Daglia
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152459 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1814
Abstract
A study on 81 individuals (18–75 years old) with mildly impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations (98–125 mg/dL) was undertaken to investigate the tolerability of a food supplement (FS) based on Zea mays and Gymnema sylvestre extracts, zinc, and chromium and its efficacy [...] Read more.
A study on 81 individuals (18–75 years old) with mildly impaired fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentrations (98–125 mg/dL) was undertaken to investigate the tolerability of a food supplement (FS) based on Zea mays and Gymnema sylvestre extracts, zinc, and chromium and its efficacy on glucose and lipid metabolism. The subjects were randomized into three groups (27 in each group) and supplemented with one or two tablet(s)/day of FS (groups 1 and 2, respectively), or two tablets/day of placebo (group 3). Blood sampling was carried out at baseline (t0) and after a 3-month treatment (t1), and biochemical parameters associated with glucose and lipid metabolism and kidney and liver toxicity were evaluated. Compared to the placebo, FBG and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in group 1 subjects. In contrast, at the doses of one and two tablet(s)/day, the FS exerted no effect on the other parameters examined. We conclude that in subjects with slightly impaired FBG, ingestion of a FS based on Z. mays and G. sylvestre extracts, zinc, and chromium over 3 months lowers FBG and modulates glucose homeostasis by improving glucose metabolism. These beneficial effects occur in the absence of biochemical evidence of kidney and liver toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Promotion)
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17 pages, 5261 KiB  
Article
Eriocitrin Inhibits Angiogenesis by Targeting VEGFR2-Mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways
by Ji-Yoon Baek, Jeong-Eun Kwak and Mok-Ryeon Ahn
Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071091 - 8 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1616
Abstract
Eriocitrin, a flavanone found in peppermint and citrus fruits, is known to possess many physiological activities. However, the anti-angiogenic effects of eriocitrin are yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this research was to explore the anti-angiogenic effects of eriocitrin both [...] Read more.
Eriocitrin, a flavanone found in peppermint and citrus fruits, is known to possess many physiological activities. However, the anti-angiogenic effects of eriocitrin are yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this research was to explore the anti-angiogenic effects of eriocitrin both in vitro and in vivo as well as its underlying mechanism. Anti-angiogenic effects of eriocitrin were evaluated utilizing in vitro models of angiogenesis, including inhibition of tube formation, and induction of apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). A chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay in chick embryos was also performed to evaluate the in vivo effects of eriocitrin on angiogenesis. Results showed significant eriocitrin effects on proliferation, tube formation, migration, and apoptosis in HUVECs. Furthermore, in vivo analysis revealed that eriocitrin significantly suppressed the formation of new blood vessels. In particular, it regulated MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and VEGFR2, inhibited the downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and activated apoptosis signals such as caspase cascades. In HUVECs, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) exhibited an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis through the suppression of the signaling pathway. Therefore, eriocitrin presents potential for development into an antiangiogenic therapeutic agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Promotion)
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Review

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18 pages, 985 KiB  
Review
Black Goji Berry (Lycium ruthenicum Murray): A Review of Its Pharmacological Activity
by Ho Seon Lee and Chang-Ik Choi
Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4181; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194181 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7867
Abstract
Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM; commonly known as black goji berry or black wolfberry), a plant in the Solanaceae family, grows in the deserts of China’s Qinghai–Tibet plateau. LRM is widely consumed in traditional Chinese medicine, and its fruits are frequently used as herbal [...] Read more.
Lycium ruthenicum Murray (LRM; commonly known as black goji berry or black wolfberry), a plant in the Solanaceae family, grows in the deserts of China’s Qinghai–Tibet plateau. LRM is widely consumed in traditional Chinese medicine, and its fruits are frequently used as herbal remedies to treat heart disease, fatigue, inflammation, and other conditions. Many studies have reported that LRM is rich in functional phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins and polysaccharides, and has various pharmacological actions. This article reviews research on the biological and pharmacological effects of the constituents of LRM fruits. LRM has various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation, immune-enhancing, anti-tumor, and protective effects. LRM has much promise as a dietary supplement for preventing many types of chronic metabolic disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Foods and Health Promotion)
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